Spanish PM Mariano Rajoy re-elected as Popular Party leader

FILE - In this Sunday, June 26, 2016 file photo, Spain's then acting Primer Minister and candidate of Popular Party Mariano Rajoy, waves to his supporters as he celebrates the results of the party during the national elections in Madrid, Spain. Rajoy was re-elected as the leader of the conservative Popular Party for a fourth term on Saturday, Feb. 11, 2017. The 61-year-old Rajoy ran unopposed and won with 95% of the vote at the party congress in Madrid. (AP Photo/Daniel Ochoa de Olza, File) (The Associated Press)

MADRID – Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy has been re-elected as the leader of the conservative Popular Party for a fourth term.

The 61-year-old Rajoy ran unopposed and won Saturday night with 95% of the vote at the party congress in Madrid.

Rajoy thanked party members, saying "it's an honor because I have spent all my life in this party."

Rajoy maintained most of the party's leadership, including Maria Dolores de Cospedal, Spain's minister of defense, as the party's second-in-command.

Rajoy has been Spanish prime minister since 2011, when he took power during a severe economic recession. He is credited with helping Spain avoid an international bailout.

Rajoy has led a minority government since October when he won support from other parties to end 10 months of deadlock following two indecisive elections.