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Spain: Rajoy turns down offer to form new government

Spain's King Felipe VI, left, shakes hands with Spain's acting Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy before a meeting at the Zarzuela Palace in Madrid, Spain, Friday Jan. 22, 2016. King Felipe VI is meeting with political party leaders before nominating one to try to form a new Spanish government following an inconclusive national election last month. Traditionally, the monarch invites the election winner to form a government, but he can opt for other leaders if they can deliver a more stable option. (Ballesteros/Pool Photo via AP) Spain's King Felipe VI, left, shakes hands with Spain's acting Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy before a meeting at the Zarzuela Palace in Madrid, Spain, Friday Jan. 22, 2016. King Felipe VI is meeting with political party leaders before nominating one to try to form a new Spanish government following an inconclusive national election last month. Traditionally, the monarch invites the election winner to form a government, but he can opt for other leaders if they can deliver a more stable option. (Ballesteros/Pool Photo via AP)

By Associated Press January 22, 2016 1 min read

MADRID (AP) – Spain’s Royal Palace says incumbent conservative Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy has turned down a petition by King Felipe VI to try to form a new government following last month’s inconclusive elections.

The palace made the announcement Friday shortly after the monarch met with Rajoy to wrap up a week of talks with party leaders before nominating a candidate.

In a statement, the palace said the king will begin fresh talks with party leaders next Wednesday in a bid to find another candidate.