Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez wants to involve businesses in defending democracy, the welfare state, and a rules-based world at a time when the far-right is gaining traction in Europe and there is a possibility of Donald Trump returning to the White House. Sánchez, a social democrat with tensions with the Spanish business world, highlighted his support for the market economy while also advocating for state intervention to redistribute wealth. He urged companies to reinvest, innovate, and increase wages for their workers, emphasizing the importance of defending democracy against the far-right.
On the other hand, Argentine economist Javier Milei, known for his ultraliberal policies, has criticized Sánchez’s leadership, accusing him of leading Spain towards poverty and death. Despite this criticism, Sánchez emphasized Spain’s strong economic performance and called on business leaders to use the current economic prosperity to reinvest and raise wages for employees. He also emphasized the importance of defending the European model and democracy against ultranationalist threats, highlighting the role of businesses as integral to a democratic society.
After a five-year absence, Sánchez attended the annual assembly of the Institute of Family Business, seeking to reconcile with the business community and promote a political climate conducive to economic growth, particularly in Catalonia. He acknowledged the essential role of businesses in creating jobs, innovation, and opportunities, while also stressing the need for them to support democracy and the welfare state. Sánchez urged companies to maintain the purchasing power of workers, address climate change, and uphold democracy for social justice and economic growth.
Sánchez, speaking in a friendly tone, acknowledged the success of most businesses present and encouraged them to increase worker wages to promote wealth redistribution. He emphasized the need for companies to invest in their future and strengthen the societal foundation by improving labor conditions, wages, and training. As the leader of the Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party, facing criticism of communist tendencies, Sánchez positioned himself as a moderate leader with a social democratic economic policy that has led to record employment and prosperity for Spanish businesses.
In response, the new president of the Institute of Family Business, Ignacio Rivera, praised Sánchez for his presence and emphasized the importance of a calm political climate for family businesses. He expressed gratitude for Sánchez’s commitment to serenity in politics and democracy, echoing the president’s call for unity and collaboration to build a better Spain. Sánchez reaffirmed his belief in a social market economy and the need for a strong state to ensure wealth redistribution and equality of opportunities, offering government support to businesses. His message resonated with business leaders, signaling a potential shift towards a more cooperative relationship between the government and the private sector.
