Cuca Gamarra, the secretary general of the Popular Party (PP), accused Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez of being forced to call a Conference of Presidents due to pressure from the barons of the PP. The preparatory committee for the conference is set to begin on October 28 after a hiatus of two and a half years. Gamarra described the convocation as not being an exercise of collaboration or institutional loyalty, but rather a demand of the rule of law. She claimed that the government is taking action now because the regional leaders of the PP have taken their case to the Supreme Court to compel its convening. Gamarra praised the territorial power of the PP following last year’s regional elections and noted that Sanchez is not brave enough to face the PP leaders on his own.
Regarding the agenda for the Conference of Presidents, Sánchez wanted to focus on housing issues, but the PP barons could invoke Article 5 of the forum’s regulations to introduce other topics to the agenda. The PP, with its absolute majority in the Senate, can also influence the agenda. The Popular Party is aiming to include additional issues such as Catalonia’s unique financing, immigration, work-life balance, housing, and primary healthcare. Gamarra emphasized that the agenda will reflect the concerns of Spanish citizens and stated that these topics are important to be discussed by the president and regional leaders during the planned conference in December in Cantabria.
Gamarra also criticized Sanchez for not being bold enough to face the PP leaders directly, suggesting he lacks the courage to confront them on issues related to the conference. She accused the government of initiating the steps for the conference now as a response to pressure from the PP barons and the impending deadline of October 7 to submit the case to the Supreme Court. Gamarra highlighted the strength of the PP in terms of territorial power and underscored the party’s influence following the regional elections. This display of power may influence the agenda and outcome of the Conference of Presidents, as the PP has the capacity to maneuver within the framework of the forum.
The Conference of Presidents has not been held for over two years, and its upcoming convening is seen as a significant event in the political landscape of Spain. The discussions during the conference are expected to cover a wide range of topics, including those suggested by the PP such as Catalonia’s funding model, immigration, work-life balance, housing, and primary healthcare. The PP’s intention to push for these issues reflects their commitment to addressing critical concerns facing Spanish society. The inclusion of these topics in the agenda may lead to important policy decisions and agreements between the central government and regional administrations.
The power dynamics between the PP and the government led by Sánchez are central to the discourse surrounding the Conference of Presidents. The PP’s influence, particularly through its majority in the Senate, gives it leverage to shape the agenda and direction of the conference. Gamarra’s criticisms of Sánchez’s approach to the conference underscore the tensions between the two political forces and highlight the competitive nature of Spanish politics. The upcoming conference in Cantabria is poised to be a crucial moment for discussions on key issues affecting Spain, with the PP and the government likely to engage in robust debates and negotiations to advance their respective agendas. As the preparations for the conference continue, the outcome and impact of the discussions on the future policies and governance of Spain remain to be seen.
