The press conference held by the President, Pedro Sánchez, to review the past year left a bitter taste in the government. While Sánchez highlighted all the positive economic data that has the government euphoric, convinced that Spain’s resistance to the right-wing and far-right movements in Europe is due to the government’s economic management, the growth, and key decisions such as labor reform, minimum wage increases, and pension revaluations, the questions from the press focused on judicial issues, signaling that the government has lost control of the political agenda. As the government prepares to regain initiative and political control in 2025, housing emerges as a key focus due to its resonance with citizens, despite the challenges in its implementation.
A major forum on housing, titled “Housing, the Fifth Pillar of the Welfare State,” is set for January 13. The government is working on a package of announcements, including a public company focused on housing. However, the complexity of housing policy, which involves overlapping competencies at the regional and local levels, poses challenges to swift implementation. Additionally, upcoming events commemorating the 50th anniversary of the dictator’s death and the transition to democracy in Spain aim to educate the public on the significance of democracy, countering a trend of increasing authoritarian sentiment among some young people.
The government has a series of key policy measures lined up for the year, focusing on issues with widespread social demand such as education, inequality, purchasing power, and immigration. The government aims to shift the political discourse back to addressing citizens’ concerns, especially amidst heightened political tensions with the opposition parties. The coalition government is facing internal debates regarding significant policy changes, including a reduction in the workweek and raising the minimum wage, with differing viewpoints within the coalition complicating decision-making.
In an effort to reclaim the political narrative, the government plans to prioritize issues that resonate with the public and showcase its ability to address pressing challenges. Despite facing legal and judicial battles, the government remains confident in its economic position and aims to focus on managing the country’s prosperity. Additionally, the ongoing reform of the criminal procedural law, which would shift investigative responsibilities from judges to prosecutors as seen in other EU countries, represents a significant step towards enhancing judicial efficiency and transparency in Spain.
2025 is poised to be a critical year for the government, with a focus on securing a budget agreement with Junts and navigating complex legal challenges, including the potential application of amnesty for Carles Puigdemont. Concerns over the delays in addressing these issues fuel suspicions and uncertainties within the government and highlight the need to refocus on a proactive political agenda. Ultimately, the government’s efforts to address societal concerns and push forward progressive policies will define its ability to navigate a challenging political landscape and enact meaningful change for the benefit of all citizens.
