The year 2024 has seen a significant shift in the relationship between the Popular Party (PP) and the Catalan independence movement, Junts. Initially, the PP proposed the dissolution of parties that promoted declarations of independence or illegal referendums, suggesting the possible outlawing of Junts. However, by the end of the year, PP leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo was defending parliamentary agreements with Junts, despite maintaining that Carles Puigdemont, Junts’ leader, is a fugitive and should be arrested. This change reflects the evolving stance of the PP towards Catalan separatists, influenced by competition with Vox and unrelenting opposition against Pedro Sánchez.
Vox has emerged as a formidable opponent for Feijóo and the PP, regaining popularity and destabilizing several regional governments previously shared with the PP. Vox’s threat to block budgets in key regions has pushed PP-led governments towards instability, potentially leading to early elections. The ultras’ influence has also impacted the PP’s policy agenda, leading to the repeal of laws related to historical memory in certain regions. Additionally, Vox’s hardline stance on immigration has influenced the PP’s rhetoric, linking migration to crime and supporting military deployment to stem the flow of boats from Africa.
The devastating floods in Valencia have disrupted the electoral landscape for the PP in the region, straining relations between Feijóo and Valencian President Carlos Mazón. Following disagreements on disaster response strategies, a deal was struck for Mazón to potentially forego re-election to protect the PP’s electoral prospects. However, Feijóo faces the challenge of finding a suitable replacement in Valencia amidst ongoing scrutiny from party headquarters.
After years of deadlock, the PP agreed to a judicial council reform in collaboration with the European Commission, marking a rare instance of cooperation with the government. However, broader agreements on issues such as immigration management in the Canary Islands remain elusive. Internal tensions have also surfaced within the PP regarding regional financing, with barons adopting differing stances on negotiations with the central government, complicating the party’s position on financial reform.
The PP has proposed a few key policy initiatives, including a controversial plan to condense the workweek into four days, which was eventually scaled back following backlash from businesses and internal dissent from figures like Ayuso. Additionally, the party intends to introduce legislation on parental leave and housing in the coming year. Meanwhile, Madrid President Isabel Díaz Ayuso faces scrutiny over a tax fraud investigation involving her partner, further intensifying the spotlight on her leadership and ideological divergence from Feijóo.
Despite setbacks in some strategic decisions, such as failed corruption allegations against the Socialists, the PP has also notched electoral wins in regional and European elections. Looking ahead to 2025, the party is poised to maintain its aggressive opposition to the progressive government of Pedro Sánchez, leveraging issues like corruption investigations to challenge the ruling coalition. Feijóo has signaled a readiness for potential snap elections and remains vigilant against being caught off guard as in the past, underscoring the party’s determination to unseat Sánchez’s administration.
