Alberto Núñez Feijóo, the leader of the PP, expressed his concerns to his deputies and senators in a meeting at the Congress regarding the decisions made by Pedro Sánchez to continue leading the government. Feijóo is worried about the potential restriction of freedoms through legislative measures targeting justice and the media. He also fears that Sánchez’s actions may have successfully activated the progressive electorate in preparation for the upcoming Catalan and European elections. In response, Feijóo urged his party members to mobilize the right-wing voters and launched a counteroffensive on various fronts, including organizing new street demonstrations and filing a complaint against the CIS for allegedly favoring the PSOE.
Feijóo emphasized the importance of the upcoming elections and the need for the PP to prevent the potential mobilization of progressive voters from leading to an electoral victory for the PSOE in the European elections on June 9. He warned his party members that Génova would monitor the voter turnout in each city and town to assess the effectiveness of their mobilization efforts. The PP’s counteroffensive includes adopting a more aggressive tone, accusing Sánchez of orchestrating a “regime change” and threatening that Spain could descend into a dictatorship, based on the proposed reforms to the judicial system and efforts to combat misinformation.
Feijóo raised concerns about the potential infringement of liberties under Sánchez’s leadership, suggesting that the government’s actions could lead to a concentration of power without judicial and media oversight. He criticized Sánchez for allegedly sacrificing equality and pursuing further limitations on freedoms to secure his grip on power. Feijóo emphasized the importance of protecting freedom of the press and called for vigilance in upholding democratic norms. Despite some past controversies involving the PP and media, Feijóo urged his colleagues to be assertive but temperate in their criticisms to avoid accusations of inciting political tensions.
Feijóo announced plans for the PP to organize new street demonstrations and compel Sánchez to appear before the Cortes to address concerns about his wife’s professional activities. The PP has already requested Sánchez’s appearance in the Congress, and if unsuccessful, they will push for it in the Senate using their majority. Additionally, Feijóo stated that the PP would take legal action against the CIS for purportedly favoring the Socialists. Feijóo also warned Sánchez against attempting to reform the General Council of the Judiciary without the PP’s involvement, threatening to seek intervention from European institutions to ensure the preservation of the rule of law.
Feijóo indicated a willingness to engage in discussions with the Government regarding measures for democratic regeneration but in a manner contrary to Sánchez’s proposals. He proposed banning accusations of lawfare against Spanish judges and courts and enhancing transparency requirements for the president’s immediate family to prevent conflicts of interest. Despite the potential for dialogue, the recent actions of the Government have widened the gap between the PP and the ruling party, further complicating the political landscape in Spain.
