Isabel Díaz Ayuso, president of the Community of Madrid, and the leader of the Popular Party (PP), Alberto Núñez Feijóo, had a public disagreement when Ayuso awarded the president of Argentina, Javier Milei, a medal without informing Feijóo beforehand. Despite this incident, Feijóo has tried to handle Ayuso’s challenges with diplomacy, as her actions have been exploited by the Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party (PSOE) to undermine his leadership. However, Ayuso’s decision to skip a meeting with Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez caused further tension. Feijóo had warned that it would be a mistake for any PP regional president to boycott meetings with the prime minister, but Ayuso still chose not to attend.
The decision by Ayuso to skip the meeting with Sánchez has caused discomfort within the PP, with some members believing that she is playing into the hands of the PSOE. They feel that Ayuso’s confrontation with Sánchez is being used to distract attention from other issues facing the government. Ayuso’s move has also upset other PP regional presidents, as they have all attended or plan to attend meetings with Sánchez at La Moncloa. Despite the discord within the PP, some members understand Ayuso’s perspective in light of the personal attacks she has faced from Sánchez. However, they still believe it is important to maintain institutional relationships, as emphasized by other regional leaders who have met with the prime minister.
President Juan Manuel Moreno Bonilla of Andalusia, while emphasizing the personal and institutional obligation of regional presidents to meet with the prime minister, has also defended Ayuso’s decision. He believes that Sánchez’s behavior in calling Ayuso corrupt and then inviting her for coffee the next day is unacceptable. Other members of the PP share this sentiment, acknowledging that Sánchez’s direct confrontation with Ayuso has changed the dynamics of the situation. Some see Ayuso as a maverick within the party, whose actions may overshadow Feijóo but also contribute positively to the party’s electoral success.
Among the regional leaders of the PP, only Carlos Mazón of Valencia publicly expressed full support for Ayuso, criticizing Sánchez for crossing the line of decency with his comments about her. Mazón condemned the political persecution directed at Ayuso and her partner, expressing unequivocal support for her decision. Despite some internal disagreements within the PP over Ayuso’s actions, many members have chosen to remain silent on the matter. The tension between Ayuso and Feijóo highlights the challenges of managing different personalities and perspectives within the party. Feijóo’s efforts to navigate the situation with Ayuso demonstrate the complexities of leadership and coalition-building within the PP.
