World Bulletin / News Desk

Spains Podomos and a smaller left rival have joined hands in a preliminary agreement to join forces in a coalition ahead of the upcoming general elections in the country.

Anti-austerity Podemos Party and its rival, Izquierda Unida (United Left or IU)  agreed to create a joint list for the June 26 vote in a “serious coalition which will run to win the elections,” Pablo Iglesias, the Podemos leader, said on Monday.

“This is something historic in Spain. We will have a political space created for different forces, forces which respect each other and walk united, and because of this strength we can win against the [People’s Party],” Iglesias added.

The deal would be put to a referendum among party members in the coming weeks.

Observers and opinion polls say the alliance would increase the chances for both parties to secure more votes and parliamentary seats than center-left Socialists.