Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez blamed Spain's three largest parties after its own Socialist Party PSOE - Conservative Partido Popular, the center-right party Ciudadanos and left-wing Podemos.

Sánchez addressed directly to the conservative Pablo Casado and the other party leaders in the somewhat harsh exchange of words in Parliament:

- Three political parties, you, you and you, have done nothing but block the only possible government in this country, Mr Casado, and more difficult than not. Spain needs stability, moderation and progressive governance. That's what Spain needs. Not a deadlock.

"You've been playing with the people"

For his part, Pablo Casado criticized Sánchez for failing to form a government.

- You were hoping for an extra choice from the beginning, but you have been playing with the Spanish population for five months. That is why you did not come to an agreement with anyone in this chamber, and you have dealt with the opposition with your usual arrogance. You have shamelessly abused these institutions by putting Parliament in a half-year's deadlock.

Voters: Just more of the same

Outside Parliament, Reuters passerby Mariana Ruyo interviews:

- I don't like it, because what will now be spent on a new election should be spent in hospitals and schools, and not wasted for nothing. They only care about their seats and their salaries. The choice just becomes more of the same.

The new elections in Spain will be held on November 10.