Alberto Núñez Feijóo and his PP allies in Congress repeat at every parliamentary session that the Government does not have a majority. This is partially true, as the majority exists since they invested Pedro Sánchez and because the Government still wins many more votes than it loses in the lower house. The alliance between the PSOE and its older allies ―ERC, EH Bildu, PNV, and BNG― is showing a solidity that was not always present in the previous legislature. However, there is an unmistakable crack in the block, especially from the newest member: Junts per Catalunya, always playing on the edge and ready to make the Government bite the dust by reminding them that without them, there will be no viable legislature.
The Catalan Republicans and the Basque and Galician nationalists have not failed Sánchez in any relevant meeting during his fourth term. This loyalty is significant, especially when compared to the previous legislature where these parties almost derailed the labor reform and put the Government at a disadvantage. Now, when the Government needs them daily, the support of these parties has not wavered. However, Junts per Catalunya has distanced itself in eight of the 25 votes where the Sánchez Cabinet-backed proposals were put to the Congress. This contrasts with ERC and the two Basque parties who have supported the Government consistently. Junts’ motives seem to be tactical, increasing pressure on the Government and asserting their key role in the majority, along with underlying ideological differences.
Junts has taken stances on various issues that have significant political and symbolic implications, resulting in defeats for the Government. Their abstentions have allowed the Congress to pass critical declarations against the Government on issues such as the Koldo case and the murder of two civil guards. Junts’ opposition to certain economic matters also highlights their differences with the left-leaning Government and its allies, more so than other centrist forces like the PNV. Their recent rejections include supporting the compulsory distribution of immigrant minors among autonomous communities and a proposal advocating for the reduction of the workweek, which was backed by the PNV but did not pass.
The actions of the Catalan and Basque parties have been crucial in admitting a PP-proposed law, rejected by the Government, for reducing wolf protection. Junts has even been the sole force opposing less impactful issues such as a defense agreement with France and an account report approved by the Court of Auditors, an entity demanding accounting responsibilities from independentist leaders involved in the Catalan independence process. The future of the legislature will be heavily influenced by the decisions taken by Junts per Catalunya, which has expressed dissatisfaction with the recent alliance between the PSC and ERC in the Generalitat. Their demands for action against the Supreme Court for not applying amnesty to Puigdemont have sparked criticism from the Government towards the judiciary.
Since the beginning of the current legislature, the Congress has conducted around 400 votes, including amendments from each group and the division of motions and non-binding resolutions. Junts has aligned with the Government and the PSOE in 70% of these votes. The upcoming negotiation of the Budget will coincide with Junts’ extraordinary congress scheduled for late October, which will likely dictate the direction of the legislature going forward. Junts’ stance on the ongoing issues, particularly those related to Catalan independence, will be crucial in determining the stability and effectiveness of the current Government in gaining the necessary support for its policies and initiatives.
