Estimated read time: Less than a minute
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
MADRID (AP) — Acting Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy didn't shake hands with Socialist leader Pedro Sanchez during a meeting that's part of the drive to form a government following an inconclusive national election.
Surrounded by photographers as they met Friday in Parliament, Sanchez extended his hand to shake Rajoy's for a traditional image but Rajoy kept his hands away buttoning his jacket.
Sanchez says he "doesn't attach the least importance" to what was viewed by Spanish media as a refusal by Rajoy to shake hands.
Spain's King Felipe VI tapped Sanchez to form a government after Rajoy failed to get enough support after the Dec. 20 election.
Rajoy's Popular Party came in first but fell far short of a parliamentary majority. The Socialists came in second.
Copyright © The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
