Nobody knows anything, but everyone is talking nonstop to try to figure out what Pedro Sánchez will do this Monday. Locked in La Moncloa with his wife and daughters for five long days, Pedro Sánchez has not shared his decision-making process with anyone else. There are no meetings, no regular meetings, he does not attend to collaborators. He only answers messages, in a loving way, thanking for the support. Despite the emotional moments he experienced during the Saturday protest at Calle Ferraz, he has not given any clues about his decision. “Everything will be known tomorrow,” his close circle maintains as the only certainty. It is not even clear if he will share his decision with the party before making it public.
In the absence of information, politicians apply political logic to speculate on what Sánchez’s decision might be. The growing hypothesis is that Sánchez will stay in power. The decision-making process he has undergone for five days has shocked not only the PSOE but also a large part of the country. However, in political logic, the option to not resign seems to prevail. Some believe that Sánchez can’t leave after witnessing the massive support at Calle Ferraz and that he cannot allow the far-right to win. Some party members are already stating that leaving now would be a great irresponsibility after the events of the past five days.
Before Saturday, there was a feeling of immense pessimism within the leadership. There was a fear that the decision was already made, that it would be an irrevocable resignation to protect his family. However, after the massive support shown at Ferraz and the moving words from party leaders, some are starting to believe that it is impossible for Sánchez to leave under these circumstances. No plans are being made for the day after, as the priority now is to ensure that Sánchez stays. If he were to leave, a new investiture of another socialist candidate is highly probable. The partners would likely be obliged to vote for this new candidate, especially the separatists if they want the amnesty law to be passed.
The opaqueness surrounding the President is total, not only for the press but also for his own team. Sánchez remains isolated in La Moncloa, handling minimal government affairs and receiving messages of support. He is preparing his announcement alone, without his team’s input, which is uncommon among politicians who usually prepare their moves with the advice of many collaborators. The uncertainty surrounding Sánchez’s decision has created a rollercoaster of emotions within the socialist leadership. The last time they spoke with him was on Wednesday, before the period of reflection was announced. The atmosphere during their last meeting with Sánchez at the Congress was tense and filled with unease.
Sánchez’s close circle of national and territorial leaders want to believe that he will not leave after everything that has happened. They argue that it is not his style, it does not make sense, and it would not leave a good message upon his departure. However, the decision ultimately lies with Sánchez, and the uncertainty will continue until the last minute. Despite the emotional support received and the appeals for him to stay, the final decision remains a mystery and will not be revealed until Monday, the day of the announcement. The political landscape is tense, and the country is holding its breath for Pedro Sánchez’s decision.
