The People’s Party (PP) has been on a constant journey of seeking the center for decades, with Alberto Núñez Feijóo now leading a sudden shift towards proposing social measures in the areas of work-life balance and housing. This unexpected change has surprised some within his party and the business sector. Feijóo’s proposal to condense the workweek to four days instead of five has raised eyebrows, including within the party itself and the CEOE. Despite internal resistance, Feijóo is determined to continue with this new strategy, planning to present a housing plan and meet with social agents to explain his initiatives on work-life balance. He aims to focus on the everyday problems of Spaniards, especially young people, rather than engaging in political gamesmanship.
Feijóo’s focus on young people is strategic, as he believes that failing to help them develop a life plan could lead them into the arms of extremist forces. By advocating for giving young people the support they need, he hopes to prevent them from being swayed by anti-system options. The PP is targeting voters aged 20 to 40 who are discontented with the current government and could potentially turn to the extreme right. Feijóo’s recent proposal to extend parental leave from 16 to 20 weeks, despite the party’s previous opposition to such increases, reflects his new approach of appealing to a broader, more socially-minded electorate.
Despite the PP’s historical focus on conservative principles, Feijóo’s shift towards more social policies is an attempt to attract voters beyond the traditional right-wing base. Some within the party question the credibility of this strategy, while others believe it is necessary to explore a more transversal electorate dissatisfied with the current government. The proposal to condense the workweek to four days, while controversial, has been softened in the party’s official proposal on work-life balance to include options like creating a bank of hours and flexible schedules.
Feijóo’s move towards the center is seen as a response to the realization that the initial strategy of confrontation with the Socialist Party was not enough to unseat Pedro Sánchez. With Sánchez likely to remain in power for the foreseeable future despite challenges, the PP sees an opportunity to experiment with new tactics. This shift also provides an opening for Isabel Díaz Ayuso to position herself as a right-wing alternative, as Feijóo’s more moderate approach leaves room for Ayuso to take a harder line against the current government. The leader of the PP’s decision not to criticize Sánchez’s agreement with EH Bildu for the reform of the “gag law” contrasts with Ayuso’s sharp condemnation of the deal.
Feijóo’s strategy of targeting younger voters and proposing social measures represents a departure from traditional conservative positions, signaling his willingness to adapt to changing political landscapes. While some elements within the party are skeptical of this new direction, Feijóo is committed to pursuing this path in the hopes of broadening the PP’s appeal beyond its historical base. As he continues to roll out his proposals and engage with stakeholders, Feijóo aims to position himself as a leader focused on addressing the real-life concerns of Spaniards, especially the younger generation, in an effort to build a more inclusive and responsive political platform.
