Sumar warns that the attacks against Pedro Sánchez are aimed at undermining the progressive government. At a particularly difficult time for the president and the government itself, after months of tense exchanges in both chambers dominated by debates on amnesty and corruption, the minority partner supports the socialist leader in his personal “reflection”, but believes that his hypothetical resignation would be a victory for the far-right groups and advocates for preserving the coalition. Since the public release on Wednesday of the letter in which Sánchez announces that he will decide in the coming days whether to continue leading the government following the proceedings opened against his wife, Begoña Gómez, due to a lawsuit from Manos Limpias, Sumar has shown “respect” for the leader’s timing. While different leaders have avoided speculating, they have sent a clear message. “No far-right group will interfere in the policies that we will implement as a result of the 23-J outcome,” defended Sumar spokesperson and Minister of Culture, Ernest Urtasun.
The Member of Parliament for Sumar and parliamentary spokesperson for Izquierda Unida, Enrique Santiago, emphatically stated, “I do not know what will happen, it is a personal decision, but if, as a result of this fraudulent use of justice [the right-wing parties] achieve their goals, to make political leaders resign, democracy would enter a serious crisis.” “Today more than ever, all democrats must ensure the maintenance of institutionalism to stop this destabilization attempt by the coordinated far-right with the PP,” he emphasized. “If this strategy works, what comes next?” asked voices within the party, questioning any reasons for resignation at this moment.
The unexpected change in direction by Sánchez has caught the vice president’s platform off guard, amid internal differences with IU, following a narrow survival in the Euskadi elections and a diluted role in the government. Díaz is expected to present her party’s Executive Committee on Saturday, from which, for now, the organizations that accompany her in the electoral coalition – some, like Izquierda Unida, involved in their own internal debate processes – are excluded. It will be the first time that she will address the uncertainty in Spanish politics and will set the tone for Sumar in the coming weeks.
Awaiting the president’s decision, the leftist coalition believes that the recent crisis should strengthen the investiture block. “There is no doubt that in the face of this aggression against democracy, the leftist forces, the progressive government, must come together to resist and advance a parliamentary agenda that expands the social, economic, and labor rights of the citizens,” Santiago stated. The lawmaker was explicit in defending that what has happened goes beyond just Sánchez. “This is not a case of harassment of the Prime Minister – it is already serious that a court has admitted a lawsuit based on headlines from far-right digital newspapers – it is another chapter of harassment to democracy and institutions by the right and far-right dictated by the PP,” he emphasized. In an attempt to set its own profile, Santiago also held the PSOE responsible for allowing the “hostage taking” of the General Council of the Judiciary and the collapse of the public justice system. “Enough of indecision and cowardice,” he demanded of the partner.
