Spain's Socialists appear set to win local elections

Spain's Socialist Workers' Party appeared headed for a decisive victory in local elections. It was the party's first test of popularity since coming to power five months ago.

Early returns appeared to confirm a big win for the Socialists in the contest for 8,043 municipal councils, 13 regional parliaments, and 1 Senate seat. Local parliaments have wide-ranging powers; only defense, justice, and foreign affairs remain exclusively in Madrid's hands.