Podemos and leftist alliance Sumar agree to run jointly in Spain’s snap election

Awkward, last-minute deal is intended to galvanise leftwing voters against conservative People’s party

Spain’s leftwing Podemos party has ended days of uncertainty by agreeing to an awkward, last-minute deal to run in next month’s snap general election alongside Sumar, a new leftist alliance led by the country’s communist labour minister, Yolanda Díaz.

Although the deal, announced hours before the deadline for registering coalitions expired, is intended to head off a split vote and to galvanise leftwing voters against the conservative People’s party (PP), which is leading the polls, there are enduring differences and tensions between Podemos and Sumar.