Spain's political deadlock may soon come to an end as the country's Socialist Party (PSOE), led by outgoing Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, and the far-left Sumar coalition have signed an agreement to form a coalition government. This comes after an inconclusive national election in July left none of the major parties with a clear path to forming a government.

The Socialists, who came in second in the election, were given the task of forming a government earlier this month after the center-right Popular Party failed to secure majority support in parliament. The agreement between the Socialists and Sumar was widely expected, but Sánchez still needs to gain the backing of smaller regional parties in order to secure a majority.

The biggest challenge for Sánchez will be earning the support of the Catalan separatist Junts group and the Republican Left of Catalonia (ERC). These parties are demanding a blanket amnesty for those involved in the failed 2017 Catalan independence referendum, as well as explicit consent from Madrid to hold a new vote on self-determination.

Sánchez, who has been in office since 2018, has until November 27 to secure the backing of a majority of lawmakers. If he fails to do so, Spain will hold new elections on January 14, 2024.

The formation of a coalition government between the PSOE and Sumar is seen as a crucial step towards ending Spain's political deadlock and providing stability to the country. It remains to be seen whether Sánchez will be able to secure the necessary support from smaller regional parties, particularly from the Catalan separatist groups, in order to ensure a majority in parliament.

If successful, this coalition government could have far-reaching implications for Spain's political landscape and the way major decisions are made. The agreement signed between the PSOE and Sumar is a clear indication of a willingness to work together and find common ground, but the road to full political stability may still prove challenging.

As Spain looks ahead to the potential formation of a coalition government, many are hopeful that it will bring an end to the political uncertainty that has plagued the country for months. All eyes will be on Sánchez as he navigates the complexities of gaining support from smaller regional parties, while also addressing the demands of the Catalan separatist groups. The deadline of November 27 looms, and the fate of Spain's government and its future direction hangs in the balance.