Spain's ruling Socialists win election

Spain's governing Socialists embarked on a second term in office yesterday, facing the twin challenges of a slowing economy and resurgent Basque separatist violence after an election that highlighted the country's deep political divide.

"A Second Opportunity," read yesterday's editorial headline in the leading daily El Pais, which noted that Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero's Socialists fell short of an absolute majority and would have to rely on some form of an alliance with smaller parties in order to govern.

Offers of help came quickly from the Basque Nationalist Party, which won six seats.