Europe

Spain: King urges lawmakers to win back public confidence

Associated Press
Published | Updated

Spain's King Felipe and Queen Sofia watch a military parade after the new opening session of the Spanish parliament in Madrid, Spain, Thursday, Nov. 17, 2016. Spain's Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy will begin a second term in office, this time with a minority government after a parliamentary vote ended a 10-month political deadlock following two inconclusive elections. (AP Photo/Paul White) (The Associated Press)

Spain's King Felipe is saluted after the new opening session of the Spanish parliament in Madrid, Spain, Thursday, Nov. 17, 2016. Spain's Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy will begin a second term in office, this time with a minority government after a parliamentary vote ended a 10-month political deadlock following two inconclusive elections. (AP Photo/Paul White) (The Associated Press)

Spain's Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy walks past an honour guard after the new opening session of the Spanish parliament in Madrid, Spain, Thursday, Nov. 17, 2016. Spain's Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy will begin a second term in office, this time with a minority government after a parliamentary vote ended a 10-month political deadlock following two inconclusive elections. (AP Photo/Paul White) (The Associated Press)

King Felipe VI has urged lawmakers to try to win back public confidence following the "unease and disquiet" he said was generated in the 10-month deadlock following two inconclusive elections.

While inaugurating Parliament's new legislative period Thursday, Felipe said Spaniards had set an example of maturity and good sense and that it's now the turn of politicians to live up to expectations.

Felipe, accompanied by Queen Letizia and their two princess daughters, was greeted with resounding applause by lawmakers on entering the chamber.

Spain's political impasse ended last month when conservative leader Mariano Rajoy finally managed to win Parliament's approval to head a minority government.

Rajoy, who has been in office since 2011, must now win opposition support to pass every single bill.