Alberto Núñez Feijóo has had a complicated relationship with Catalonia. The leader of the PP has had many missteps and changes in stance on Catalan politics, as was evident during a recent visit to Figueres. In front of the surrealistic facade of the Teatro-Museo Dalí, Feijóo stumbled over the Catalan surnames of his candidate for the European elections, Dolors Montserrat. Despite this slip-up, Feijóo managed to draw attention to his candidate by launching her campaign in the midst of the Catalan elections, and he plans to do the same next week in Barcelona. The PP is aware that they will not play a decisive role in Catalonia, and their main focus is on the European elections on June 9th, where Feijóo needs a strong win against Pedro Sánchez.
The recent resignation scare from Sánchez has disrupted the political landscape and galvanized progressives. The PP is concerned that this could have a negative impact on the European elections, where they could lose ground to the socialists. Génova, the PP headquarters, is working to mitigate the effects of Sánchez’s decision, especially in Catalonia where the PP is holding steady as the leader of the right-wing block. However, the situation is more delicate in the European elections, where the consequences could be more significant for the PP’s interests. Catalonia has always been a challenging terrain for the PP.
Feijóo found himself in another language-related controversy during a rally in Mataró, where he made a statement about speaking Catalan, Valencian, and Andalusian. This remark sparked a reaction on social media, particularly regarding the treatment of Spanish with an Andalusian accent. Feijóo’s mention of Andalusian was likely a nod to the significant immigrant population from that region in Catalonia. The PP is hoping for a resurgence in support, particularly targeting areas with high concentrations of Andalusian immigrants such as Mataró, where they believe they could quadruple their current representation.
Despite their hopes for a comeback, the PP acknowledges that they will not be a major player in Catalan politics. They believe Catalonia is headed for another round of elections and are focusing more on the European campaign. Feijóo is pinning his hopes on his chosen candidates, particularly Alejandro Fernández and Dolors Montserrat, who he sees as key figures in his electoral strategy. Fernández has clashed with the national leadership over their contacts with Junts, but Feijóo is emphasizing the broad spectrum of opinions within the party.
The resignation drama involving Sánchez has had a significant impact on the campaign, nationalizing the discourse in Catalonia. The PP is working to mobilize their base and counter Sánchez’s narrative, with a focus on the European elections. Feijóo is adopting a tougher stance in his speeches, targeting Sánchez and the PSC as separatist forces. The PP’s message in Catalonia is heavily focused on anti-Sánchez sentiment, rather than the amnesty issue that has been central to their campaign in Madrid. Feijóo is aiming to rally support on the right and secure a strong showing in the European elections.
