Pedro Sanchez Secures New Term, Ending Spain's Four-Month Deadlock
Spain's parliament ends four-month deadlock by re-electing Pedro Sanchez as prime minister, following inconclusive general elections in July
Spain's parliament voted on Thursday to re-elect Pedro Sanchez as prime minister, putting an end to a long-standing stalemate following the inconclusive general election in July. In order to secure their support, his Spanish Socialist Workers Party (PSOE) reached separate agreements with various regional parties, including one controversial bill that grants amnesty to Catalan separatists, which has caused widespread protests throughout the country.
Sanchez won the vote with 179 in favor and 171 against, with no abstentions.
His confirmation as prime minister puts an end to months of uncertainty. Despite winning the most seats, Alberto Nunez Feijoo, the candidate from the conservative Peoples Party (PP), was unable to gather sufficient support from other parties to become the country's leader.
Sanchez, six months ago, called for a snap election due to the poor performance of his party in regional elections. However, a late rally by his party managed to contain a surge from the PP, defying poll predictions that he would be voted out of government. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz took to social media platform X to congratulate Sanchez on this remarkable turnaround.
Scholz expressed satisfaction with the ongoing collaboration, stating, "It is encouraging that we can maintain our partnership and confront the numerous global challenges with a shared vision."
In a similar vein, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed her eagerness to tackle essential problems confronting the EU through joint efforts. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky extended his congratulatory message as well.
The amnesty bill, which incensed numerous Spaniards, was presented in parliament on Monday. It suggests pardoning politicians and activists involved in the Catalonia separation attempt from Spain, which culminated in 2017.
A protest against the Spanish government and the amnesty bill took place near the Madrid headquarter of the Spanish Socialist Worker's Party (PSOE) on November 16. The demonstration occurred following the investiture debate and vote at the Congress of Deputies.
Protests
As the vote was completed, some of the 400 protesters outside parliament shook barricades erected by police and shouted their dissent.
Javier, a member of the youth group Revuelta associated with Vox, stated that the protests outside PSOE headquarters in Madrid would persist on Thursday night.
Alberto Nunez Feijoo, whose PP secured the highest number of seats in the July election, approached Sanchez to shake his hand amidst the applause and cheers from leftist lawmakers. Meanwhile, Santiago Abascal, leader of the Vox party, exited the chamber.
Feijoo informed Sanchez that he was accountable for a mistake, as stated by the European Peoples Party (EPP) on Thursday. They announced that the European Parliament has granted their request for a discussion next week regarding whether the amnesty poses a threat to judicial independence in Spain.
Esteban Gonzalez Pons, the vice secretary of the PP, expressed that the debate surrounding the Spanish rule of law would be a source of humiliation for the country's prestige.
According to a report by the Madrid-based think tank, Thinking Heads, Sanchez will still rely on regional parties to pass important legislation. This will necessitate continuous negotiation and a strict commitment to agreements, particularly regarding the Catalan separatists.
After emerging victorious in a parliamentary vote to become Spain's next premier, Pedro Sanchez (L) receives congratulations from Alberto Nunez Feijoo, the leader of Partido Popular, in Madrid's Congress of Deputies on November 16.
The Socialists claim that the agreements ensure "stability" in the legislature, but there is no formal commitment to backing the budget. A senior Socialist source states that the negotiations will be conducted with sincerity and trust.
"We will not support any proposal presented by your government if there is no progress," cautioned Miriam Nogueras, the parliamentary spokesperson for Junts, on Wednesday.
Feijoo labeled Sanchez as being "dependent on separatists on a monthly basis" in order to govern.
Sanchez has committed to expanding initiatives aimed at assisting Spaniards with their living expenses. This includes granting free public transportation to the unemployed and young individuals, as well as offering mortgage relief to certain homeowners.
Moving forward, Sanchez will focus on appointing a new cabinet. A crucial aspect of this decision-making process will be determining whether to keep Nadia Calvino as the economy minister, considering her prominent candidacy to assume the role of the next European Investment Bank leader.
