A recent political upheaval in Spain has been measured through a survey conducted by the Center for Sociological Research (CIS). According to the survey, the Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party (PSOE) would garner 38.6% of the votes if elections were held today, which is nearly 10 points higher than the People’s Party (PP) with 29.2%. Vox would secure 11% of the votes, while Sumar would receive 7.2% and Podemos 2.6%. The survey, which was conducted on Friday with 1,809 citizens, followed the release of a letter written by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez last Wednesday, in which he announced his decision to suspend his agenda to reflect on his continuation in office. The results of the survey were published on Monday, shortly after the president’s announcement that he would remain in office with renewed vigour.
The CIS survey also asked respondents about their views on Sánchez’s decision to make the letter public. While 44.6% did not support his actions, 43.1% were in favor. In response to whether Sánchez’s points in the letter were valid, 41.1% agreed while 38.8% disagreed. Additionally, there was a question about the opening of a judicial case against Sánchez’s wife, Begoña Gómez, with 30.5% believing it was justified and 48.2% perceiving it as a way to target the president. When asked if Sánchez should resign as president, 20.9% agreed, 11.7% believed he should face a vote of confidence in Congress, 23.6% opted for new elections, and 36.7% suggested he should explain the situation and continue governing.
The survey also delved into the current political climate, questioning whether the use of lies, insults, and personal attacks in political debates is justified. A staggering 90.5% of respondents felt there should be limits in political discourse and such behavior should not be tolerated. Furthermore, 82.6% of respondents believed that judges in Spain are sometimes influenced by political or economic powers, with only 9.2% considering them consistently impartial. When asked about the need for judicial reform, 81.4% agreed, while 11.4% disagreed.
The political turbulence in Spain has sparked intense debate and reflection among citizens, reflecting a polarized opinion on the actions and decisions of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez. The survey results indicate a clear divide in public opinion, with varying views on the handling of the situation and the future course of action. Amidst calls for transparency, accountability, and reform, the political landscape in Spain remains volatile, with potential implications for the upcoming elections and the overall governance of the country. As the nation grapples with these challenges, the need for dialogue, understanding, and constructive engagement becomes increasingly important to navigate through this period of uncertainty and change.