The Popular Party is working to highlight the parliamentary weakness of the Government, with the Socialist party in check after Congress rejected their proposal against pimping in an unprecedented defeat on Tuesday. The PP recognizes that the Law of the Land, which is being debated on Thursday, is hanging by a thread. The PSOE faces the voting of the full amendments to the law proposed by Podemos, ERC, and Junts, with their coalition partner, Sumar, also opposing the text. Pedro Sánchez needs the support of the PP deputies to pass the law. The PP wants to push the president into a new defeat by not supporting the law, even though they had previously been open to negotiating the text.
After both the PSOE’s partners and the PP rejected the pimping law on Tuesday, the vote on the full amendment to the Land Law on Thursday is seen as a second-round test for the socialists’ ability to gather parliamentary majorities to advance their legislative capacity. Another failure this week would be a blow to Sánchez, especially before the European campaign. The PP sees an opportunity in the vote, even if it means supporting an initiative by Podemos, ERC, and Junts. They are focused on making Sánchez lose rather than on the content of the law. The stability of Spain has been linked to Carles Puigdemont becoming president, adding to the pressure on Sánchez.
The PP faces obstacles in following through on their threat, including contradicting their own statements. In April, the PP was willing to negotiate the Land Law with the Government, acknowledging that it was based on a law previously introduced by the PP. However, they criticized the law for being incomplete and were open to negotiation if the PP’s voice was heard. The PP had initially supported the pimping law two years ago but voted against it on Tuesday, causing confusion among some PP deputies. Explaining this change in position has proven difficult for the party.
The Land Law had previously been approved by the Government in December 2022 but lapsed before it could progress in the Cortes due to early elections. The PSOE brought it to the Council of Ministers on May 27, aiming to limit the impact of minor and rectifiable defects in urban planning. However, Sumar opposes the bill for limiting the government’s intervention in urban planning and reducing the reasons for project nullification. Podemos criticized the law for enabling speculative practices, while Junts and ERC raised concerns about competency issues. The complexity of the law and the differing perspectives of the parties involved make it a contentious issue.
Overall, the current political situation in Spain is tense, with the PP using parliamentary maneuvers to weaken the Government and challenge Sánchez. The upcoming vote on the Land Law could be another blow to the Socialists if they fail to secure a majority. The disagreements between the various parties highlight the challenges of governing and passing legislation in a fragmented political landscape. The outcome of these debates will not only impact the specific laws under discussion but also the broader stability and governance of Spain.
