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Euractiv
18-07-2025
- Politics
- Euractiv
Power at any cost: Sánchez's separatist tightrope
MADRID – Spain will again push to grant Catalan, Galician, and Basque official EU language status at Friday's EU foreign ministers' meeting, a move widely seen as part of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez's ongoing efforts to preserve backing from increasingly unreliable separatist allies. While EU diplomatic sources say the vote is unlikely to take place, Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares will again raise the issue at the General Affairs Council, under pressure from hardline Catalan party Junts. The initiative is the latest in a string of high-stakes concessions Sánchez has made to secure support from regional pro-independence forces. Sánchez's Socialist-led coalition, which scraped together a majority in 2023, depends on both left-wing ERC and right-wing Junts. Though often at odds, the two separatist parties are united in leveraging their support for concessions, prompting opposition accusations that Sánchez is trading national unity for political survival. A constant headache In exchange for supporting Sánchez's re-election, Junts secured a promise to push for Catalan's recognition as an official EU language. That demand was part of a broader deal that also included the controversial Amnesty Law, which pardons hundreds involved in Catalonia's failed independence push between 2012 and 2023. The law passed narrowly in parliament with a razor-thin 177-172 majority despite deep public opposition. Sánchez defended it as a 'step towards reconciliation,' but Brussels has raised rule-of-law concerns, and the Court of Justice of the EU is investigating its legality. Junts, led by self-exiled former Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont, remains an unpredictable partner. Its seven votes in parliament are essential to Sánchez's thin majority, which an opposition right-wing P artido Popular (PP) MP said described as "continuous blackmail from separatist parties". Growing internal rift Tensions have also emerged within the governing bloc. This week, Junts rejected a proposed 'unique' financing model for Catalonia that was backed by ERC and Sánchez's PSOE. Junts called it insufficient and instead demanded full fiscal sovereignty similar to the Basque-style model. The backlash has also reached inside PSOE. Emiliano García-Page, Castilla-La Mancha's regional president, warned the party 'cannot remain in power at any cost,' calling the tax deal a 'dramatic attack on equality among Spaniards.' Opposition parties, meanwhile, labelled the deal a 'political payoff' to separatists. Push for greater autonomy Junts and Sánchez's PSOE have floated a proposal to grant Catalonia powers over migration, including limited deportation authority, drawing fierce criticism from the opposition. Far-right Vox said the plan could be the 'last step before a de facto independence,' while ERC welcomed it as part of an ongoing plan to 'reduce the state's presence' in Catalonia. Though full border control is not on the table, the Sanchez government did agree to give Catalonia partial authority over ports and airports starting in September. Scandals and shifting support To complicate matters further for Sánchez, Junts and ERC have threatened to withdraw support following a bombshell police report. The investigation uncovered a network of kickbacks, rigged tenders and influence peddling involving former cabinet members, senior Socialist officials, the prime minister's inner circle and, potentially, even Sánchez himself. In a recent debate in Congress, Sánchez accused Junts of 'permanent blackmail.' Yet when asked about the state of the coalition, a PSOE spokesperson told Euractiv that 'monthly meetings' with the separatists continue, even though these remain "discreet". As the prime minister faces growing pressure both from within his coalition and from political opponents, the question remains how long he can maintain the delicate balance. 'The clock is ticking,' a Junts spokesperson warned Sánchez last week. (cs, de)
Times
26-06-2025
- Politics
- Times
Pedro Sánchez ‘has no power' and should quit, says Spanish ex-PM
The Spanish prime minister should step down amid growing allegations of corruption against his government, one of his predecessors said on Thursday. Felipe González, who played a key role in Spain's transition to democracy in the 1980s, said that Pedro Sánchez 'no longer has a political life'. González, 83, who was prime minister from 1982 to 1996, added: 'Sánchez should call elections and make way for another Socialist candidate. He has a level of authority unmatched by any prime minister … he has no power at all.' Felipe González played a key role in Spain's transition to democracy in the 1980s PATRICIA DE MELO MOREIRA/AFP He singled out Sánchez's concessions to his ally Bildu — a Basque separatist party that was formerly the political wing of the defunct terrorist group ETA — and an amnesty given to Catalan separatists who took part in an illegal, failed independence attempt in 2017. To retain power after inconclusive elections in 2023, Sánchez agreed to the amnesty in return for the seven votes of the right-wing Junts party of the Catalan separatist leader Carles Puigdemont, a fugitive from Spanish justice.
Int'l Business Times
13-06-2025
- Politics
- Int'l Business Times
Spanish PM Vows To Fight On As Corruption Scandal Grows
Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez is fighting to keep his job, as corruption allegations prompted the resignation of a close aide and sparked tension in his minority coalition. The scandal erupted on Thursday after the Supreme Court said Santos Cerdan, the third-highest ranking figure in Sanchez's Socialist party, was suspected of involvement in awarding of public works contracts in return for kickbacks. The case is linked to a broader investigation that already ensnared former transport minister Jose Luis Abalos, once a close ally of the prime minister. Sanchez is not accused of any wrongdoing but the case adds to mounting legal scrutiny of his inner circle. His wife, brother and Spain's top prosecutor, who was appointed by Sanchez's government, are all under judicial investigation in separate cases. The scandals-- none of which have gone beyond the preliminary investigation phase -- have fuelled demands from his critics for him to resign and call early elections. Centre-right newspaper El Mundo wrote in an editorial on Friday it was "untenable" for him to continue. The situation was "agonising" for the Socialist leader, who was been in office since 2018, wrote conservative newspaper ABC. Speaking at his party's headquarters on Thursday, a sombre-looking Sanchez apologised for the scandal but vowed to serve out his term until 2027. But his ruling coalition junior partner, far-left party Sumar, called for a change in the government's direction in the wake of the scandal. "It's not enough to say sorry," Labour Minister Yolanda Diaz, the founder of Sumar, told reporters. At the same time Catalan separatist party Junts has requested an urgent meeting with Socialist leaders to assess the viability of the legislature. Sanchez's fragile minority government relies on Junts to pass laws in parliament. Paloma Roman, a political science professor at Madrid's Complutense University, said Sanchez may be forced to call a confidence vote to reassert control. "What Sanchez needs to do now is to calm his allies' criticism by providing them with more information and addressing the issue of confidence," she told AFP. The government has so far refused to call a confidence vote. "The prime minister has to keep earning the public's trust every day, as he's doing," Oscar Lopez, a cabinet minister who is close to Sanchez, said Friday during an interview with news radio Cadena Ser. "He has a duty to carry out his campaign promises and not let down the millions who voted for him," he added when asked whether a vote of confidence was being considered. The main opposition Popular Party (PP) has called repeatedly for Sanchez to step down. But PP leader Alberto Nunez Feijoo, has ruled out the idea of proposing a motion in parliament to try to topple Sanchez, warning it could backfire and bolster the Socialist leader if it fails. He instead urged Sanchez's allies to reconsider their support, saying they would be complicit in "the biggest wave of corruption" if they refused. Analysts say Sanchez's coalition partners are reluctant to withdraw their support, fearing that doing so could pave the way for a PP government supported by far-right party Vox -- a prospect many regional and leftist parties view as unacceptable. "They won't let Sanchez fall -- not out of love, but because they fear a PP-Vox government even more," said Roman. Sanchez came to power in June 2018 after ousting his predecessor, Mariano Rajoy, in a no-confidence vote over corruption scandals involving the PP. Most recent opinion polls show the PP holding a slim lead over the Socialists.
MTV Lebanon
13-06-2025
- Politics
- MTV Lebanon
Spanish PM vows to fight on as corruption scandal grows
Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez is fighting to keep his job, as corruption allegations prompted the resignation of a close aide and sparked tension in his minority coalition. The scandal erupted on Thursday after the Supreme Court said Santos Cerdan, the third-highest ranking figure in Sanchez's Socialist party, was suspected of involvement in awarding of public works contracts in return for kickbacks. The case is linked to a broader investigation that already ensnared former transport minister Jose Luis Abalos, once a close ally of the prime minister. Sanchez is not accused of any wrongdoing but the case adds to mounting legal scrutiny of his inner circle. His wife, brother and Spain's top prosecutor, who was appointed by Sanchez's government, are all under judicial investigation in separate cases. The scandals-- none of which have gone beyond the preliminary investigation phase -- have fuelled demands from his critics for him to resign and call early elections. Centre-right newspaper El Mundo wrote in an editorial on Friday it was "untenable" for him to continue. The situation was "agonising" for the Socialist leader, who was been in office since 2018, wrote conservative newspaper ABC. Speaking at his party's headquarters on Thursday, a sombre-looking Sanchez apologised for the scandal but vowed to serve out his term until 2027. But his ruling coalition junior partner, far-left party Sumar, called for a change in the government's direction in the wake of the scandal. "It's not enough to say sorry," Labour Minister Yolanda Diaz, the founder of Sumar, told reporters. At the same time Catalan separatist party Junts has requested an urgent meeting with Socialist leaders to assess the viability of the legislature. Sanchez's fragile minority government relies on Junts to pass laws in parliament. Paloma Roman, a political science professor at Madrid's Complutense University, said Sanchez may be forced to call a confidence vote to reassert control. "What Sanchez needs to do now is to calm his allies' criticism by providing them with more information and addressing the issue of confidence," she told AFP. Earn trust The government has so far refused to call a confidence vote. "The prime minister has to keep earning the public's trust every day, as he's doing," Oscar Lopez, a cabinet minister who is close to Sanchez, said Friday during an interview with news radio Cadena Ser. "He has a duty to carry out his campaign promises and not let down the millions who voted for him," he added when asked whether a vote of confidence was being considered. The main opposition Popular Party (PP) has called repeatedly for Sanchez to step down. But PP leader Alberto Nunez Feijoo, has ruled out the idea of proposing a motion in parliament to try to topple Sanchez, warning it could backfire and bolster the Socialist leader if it fails. He instead urged Sanchez's allies to reconsider their support, saying they would be complicit in "the biggest wave of corruption" if they refused. Analysts say Sanchez's coalition partners are reluctant to withdraw their support, fearing that doing so could pave the way for a PP government supported by far-right party Vox -- a prospect many regional and leftist parties view as unacceptable. "They won't let Sanchez fall -- not out of love, but because they fear a PP-Vox government even more," said Roman. Sanchez came to power in June 2018 after ousting his predecessor, Mariano Rajoy, in a no-confidence vote over corruption scandals involving the PP.
Straits Times
13-06-2025
- Politics
- Straits Times
Spanish PM vows to fight on as corruption scandal grows
Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's wife and brother are under judicial investigation in separate cases. PHOTO: REUTERS Spanish PM vows to fight on as corruption scandal grows Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez is fighting to keep his job, as corruption allegations prompted the resignation of a close aide and sparked tension in his minority coalition. The scandal erupted on June 12 after the Supreme Court said Santos Cerdan, the third-highest ranking figure in Mr Sanchez's Socialist party, was suspected of involvement in awarding of public works contracts in return for kickbacks. The case is linked to a broader investigation that already ensnared former transport minister Jose Luis Abalos, once a close ally of the prime minister. Mr Sanchez is not accused of any wrongdoing but the case adds to mounting legal scrutiny of his inner circle. His wife, brother and Spain's top prosecutor, who was appointed by Mr Sanchez's government, are all under judicial investigation in separate cases. The scandals – none of which have gone beyond the preliminary investigation phase – have fuelled demands from his critics for him to resign and call early elections. Centre-right newspaper El Mundo wrote in an editorial on June 13 it was 'untenable' for him to continue. The situation was 'agonising' for the Socialist leader, who was been in office since 2018, wrote conservative newspaper ABC. Speaking at his party's headquarters on June 12 , a sombre-looking Sanchez apologised for the scandal but vowed to serve out his term until 2027. But his ruling coalition junior partner, far-left party Sumar, called for a change in the government's direction in the wake of the scandal. 'It's not enough to say sorry,' Labour Minister Yolanda Diaz, the founder of Sumar, told reporters. At the same time Catalan separatist party Junts has requested an urgent meeting with Socialist leaders to assess the viability of the legislature. Mr Sanchez's fragile minority government relies on Junts to pass laws in parliament. Professor Paloma Roma n, a political science professor at Madrid's Complutense University, said Mr Sanchez may be forced to call a confidence vote to reassert control. 'What Sanchez needs to do now is to calm his allies' criticism by providing them with more information and addressing the issue of confidence,' she told AFP. Earn trust The government has so far refused to call a confidence vote. 'The prime minister has to keep earning the public's trust every day, as he's doing,' Mr Oscar Lopez, a Cabinet minister who is close to Mr Sanchez, said on J une 13 during an interview with news radio Cadena Ser. 'He has a duty to carry out his campaign promises and not let down the millions who voted for him,' he added when asked whether a vote of confidence was being considered. The main opposition Popular Party (PP) has called repeatedly for Mr Sanchez to step down. But PP leader Alberto Nunez Feijoo, has ruled out the idea of proposing a motion in Parliament to try to topple Mr Sanchez, warning it could backfire and bolster the Socialist leader if it fails. He instead urged Mr Sanchez's allies to reconsider their support, saying they would be complicit in 'the biggest wave of corruption' if they refused. Analysts say Mr Sanchez's coalition partners are reluctant to withdraw their support, fearing that doing so could pave the way for a PP government supported by far-right party Vox – a prospect many regional and leftist parties view as unacceptable. 'They won't let Sanchez fall – not out of love, but because they fear a PP-Vox government even more,' said Roman. Mr Sanchez came to power in June 2018 after ousting his predecessor Mariano Rajoy in a no-confidence vote over corruption scandals involving the PP. Most recent opinion polls show the PP holding a slim lead over the Socialists. AFP Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
