Sanchez to face Spanish parliament to seek new term

 Pedro Sanchez will seek a new term as Spain's prime minister in parliament Wednesday, after securing the backing of Catalan separatists in exchange for a controversial amnesty. 

The Socialist leader, in office since 2018, is to begin an address to the assembly at noon (1100 GMT) to present his priorities for another four-year mandate ahead of a vote of confidence on Thursday, which he is expected to win.

While his Socialists finished second in a July general election, Sanchez has reached deals with smaller parties to ensure he has the backing of 179 lawmakers -- three more then the 176 absolute majority that is needed.