The People’s Party (PP) is gearing up for the announcement that Pedro Sánchez may make on Monday, with all scenarios open, including the possibility of calling general elections. Alberto Núñez Feijóo criticized Sánchez on Thursday, accusing him of engaging in a “political survival” operation and “adolescent spectacle” to gain affection. However, Feijóo also hinted at his aspirations to replace him in office. The general secretary of the PP, Cuca Gamarra, has even suggested Feijóo as a potential candidate in hypothetical elections. The PP believes that Spain deserves a president who acts with maturity and serenity, and they are ready to bring a policy that meets the needs of the country.
Following Sánchez’s announcement that he was taking four days to reflect on his future, the PP leader presented a message of tranquility and hope to the Spanish people. Gamarra emphasized that Feijóo represents a stark contrast to the current political spectacle in Spain characterized by self-serving politics. The PP believes that a different approach to politics is needed in Spain. Despite their doubts, the PP does not think Sánchez will resign and views his period of reflection as a mere political tactic and the staging of a “soap opera.”
The PP won last year’s general elections but did not have enough support to form a government, while Sánchez managed to secure a majority in parliament with the help of Catalan separatist parties by passing an amnesty law in November. The law was approved by the Congress in March and is now being processed in the Senate, with a deadline for approval by May 16. Feijóo lacks the necessary support to become the Prime Minister. In a failed investiture in September, he received 172 votes in favor and 177 against.
If Sánchez decides to continue with his coalition government, the PP will stand firm in its position of not negotiating the renewal of the General Council of the Judiciary until changes are made to the law regulating the appointment of its members. Gamarra has suggested that Sánchez may be seeking control over the Judiciary. The PP is concerned about the attacks launched by Sánchez against the judiciary in his recent letter to the public. The letter was written after a Madrid court opened an investigation into Sánchez’s wife, Begoña Gómez, for alleged influence peddling. The prosecution has requested the dismissal of the case based on false information.
According to the Constitution, Sánchez has three options on Monday: to resign, to face a vote of confidence in Congress to determine if he has majority support, or to call for elections. The possibility of Feijóo becoming a candidate in a new government is still uncertain given the lack of support. Sánchez cannot dissolve the parliament and call for elections before May 29, a year after the last general elections. The situation remains uncertain as the political landscape in Spain continues to evolve.
