Spanish government faces key vote in Galicia

Pro-independence parties are poised to make a strong showing in local elections in Spain's Basque Country, one year after the armed separatist group ETA renounced violence.

The election on Sunday in Basque Country and a separate vote in Galicia are important tests for the government of Mariano Rajoy, the Spanish prime minister. Popular Party is expected to retain a majority there.

Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy's centre-right People's Party has ruled the region for 24 of the past 31 years.

Polls suggest Rajoy, a native of Galicia, has lost support nationally because of austerity measures.

A regional vote will also be held in the Basque Country, where separatist parties are expected to do well.

Spain has been in economic difficulty since the 2008 global financial crisis caused a big crash in the property market, triggering huge losses at its banks.

Its recession is forecast to deepen, and the country's 17 regional governments are laden with heavy debts.

Unemployment stands at about 25% nationally, and 21% in Galicia. There have been widespread protests against public spending cuts.

Spain is under pressure to ask Brussels for a bailout, but observers say Rajoy may be waiting until after the regional elections to request one.

Spain has already in line to receive 100bn euros (£81bn) in eurozone loans for its banks.

In the Basque country, the Socialist Party that has been in power since 2009 is facing the conservative Basque Nationalist Party (PNV) and a new coalition of left-wing separatists called Euskal Herria Bildu.