Alberto Núñez Feijóo focused the majority of his interventions in the omnibus debate in Congress on launching accusations and suspicions of corruption against President Pedro Sánchez, his team, and his wife, Begoña Gómez, rather than discussing international affairs. Feijóo avoided clarifying his stance on the recognition of the Palestinian state, a decision announced by Sánchez. The opposition leader concentrated on the judicial investigation into the President’s wife, despite a recent report by the Guardia Civil finding no evidence of wrongdoing in her behavior. The PP plans to summon Sánchez and possibly his wife to the Senate investigation committee on the Koldo case, with the President stating they will attend gladly but warning it will be the PP’s responsibility.
The debate in Congress included four appearances by the President, three on relevant international policy issues and one requested by the PP to address alleged corruption cases involving his party, government, and personal circle. Feijóo’s PP was primarily interested in using this opportunity to attack Sánchez politically. The basis for the attacks was Begoña Gómez’s involvement in recommending a company that later secured government contracts, as well as contacts with a company that benefited from pandemic rescue mechanisms. Sánchez highlighted the continuous attacks he has faced since becoming PSOE leader, asserting that investigations by authorities have found no wrongdoing regarding his wife’s activities.
Sánchez used his address to address crisis situations globally and within the country and to denounce the campaigns of misinformation and attacks against him and his family by the opposition. The President emphasized the lack of substance in the attacks by the PP and Vox and predicted the case against his wife would be dismissed as there is nothing to hide. However, a judge has summoned several individuals related to public contracts and a businessman for questioning. Sánchez anticipated that the PP would continue their attacks through the Senate investigation where he and his wife would be called to testify.
Feijóo and the PP focused on accusing Sánchez of avoiding explanations regarding his wife’s legal troubles, demanding accountability and portraying Sánchez as untrustworthy. Feijóo briefly touched on other topics, such as the amnesty law and the conflict with Argentina, during his interventions. The PP leader reiterated their campaign slogan for the upcoming European elections while also attempting to hold Sánchez accountable for inaccuracies regarding his partner’s situation, although this line of questioning did not succeed. Additionally, other parties in Congress expressed concerns about Sánchez’s lack of concrete actions on issues like judicial reform and media transparency.
Various political figures, including Vox’s Santiago Abascal and Junts’ Míriam Nogueras, criticized Sánchez for his handling of the conflict with Argentina and his response to criticism, with Abascal mocking the President’s brief period of reflection. Parties affiliated with the government expressed disappointment with Sánchez’s delayed action on promises of democratic reform and judicial transparency, hoping for more concrete measures before the European elections. Overall, the debate in Congress highlighted the ongoing political tensions surrounding corruption allegations and personal attacks, overshadowing discussions on pressing national and international issues.
