Spain’s Socialists (PSOE) have rejected a demand from the anti-austerity Podemos party for exclusive talks to form a new government.

The country remains in a political stalemate following December’s inconclusive election.

On the request of King Felipe VI, PSOE leader Pedro Sanchez has been leading talks with other parties.

But Podemos (We Can) leader Pablo Iglesias demanded that he stop speaking with centrist Ciudadanos (Citizens).

“Our negotiating team will be ready as soon as the Socialists opt for a government of progress,” Reuters quoted him as saying.