THE coalition seeking to form Spain’s next government has vowed to push for a 37.5 hour working week if it manages to cling to power after July’s inconclusive parliamentary elections.

Spain has had a 40-hour week for the past two decades, but now the acting government wants to move closer to matching neighbouring France, where the maximum number of normal working hours is 35.

The proposal is to introduce a 38.5 hour week next year and for that to fall to 37.5 hours in 2025.

The measure forms the centrepiece of an agreement between Spain’s Socialist Party and its left-wing junior coalition partner Sumar (Joining Forces) that was signed by Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and Sumar’s communist leader Yolanda Diaz in Madrid on Tuesday.

They have until November 27 to assemble a parliamentary majority. If they fail, fresh national elections will be held in January.

The two parties have 152 legislators between them. They now face the difficult task of winning the support of several others, including separatists from Catalonia and the Basque region, to reach the 176 seats needed to form a new government.

The deal includes around 230 policies, ranging from fighting climate change to education and housing.