MADRID: Alberto Nunez-Feijoo’s aspirations to become Spain’s next prime minister faced a significant setback on Wednesday as parliament rejected his bid, citing a lack of support from lawmakers. The right-wing opposition leader’s failed bid, with 172 votes in favor and 178 against, triggers a two-month countdown to the possibility of new elections, unless the outgoing Socialist Prime Minister, Pedro Sanchez, can muster enough support to pass a similar vote and secure his reappointment as premier.
Sanchez, known for his political resilience, remains confident in his ability to return to power with the backing of far-left parties, as well as regional parties from Basque and Catalonia. Despite his party winning the most votes in the inconclusive election held in July, Feijoo managed to secure support from only 172 lawmakers from his right-wing Popular Party (PP), the far-right Vox, and two other smaller factions. To be inaugurated as prime minister, he required a majority of at least 176 votes in the 350-seat parliament.
Spain's conservative leader Feijoo fails in first bid to become prime minister https://t.co/60OpXRo9kY
— David Alexander (@davidalexander5) September 27, 2023
His alliance with Vox, a party known for its extreme positions, left the PP largely isolated and unable to gather the necessary support. Feijoo faces a second vote on Friday, which requires a simple majority of more votes in favor than against. However, his chances of securing sufficient support for this vote are considered slim to none.
Next week, King Felipe VI is expected to task Pedro Sanchez with forming a government, although the date for a new investiture vote has not been finalized. If Sanchez also fails to secure support, Spain may be compelled to hold new elections, likely in January.
Feijoo Addresses Spain’s Parliament
Aware of his limited support, Feijoo used his parliamentary address on Tuesday to launch a scathing critique of Sanchez’s intended agreement with a hardline Catalan separatist party, which holds a pivotal role in the political landscape.
In exchange for its support, the separatist JxCat is seeking an amnesty for individuals facing legal action over the failed 2017 Catalan separatist attempt, including their leader Carles Puigdemont, who fled Spain to evade prosecution.
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In his closing remarks before the vote, Feijoo accused Sanchez of succumbing to “blackmail by those who do not believe in Spain.” He pointed out that whether Sanchez becomes prime minister or not appears to depend on the desires of Puigdemont, whom the Spanish right regards as a significant adversary.
Feijoo further criticized Sanchez for being willing to “sell Spain down the river at any price solely to satisfy his own interests,” echoing sentiments from his deputy, Cuca Gamarra.
In response to the amnesty demand, around 40,000 demonstrators took to the streets of Madrid on Sunday, decrying the proposal as “blackmail,” a sentiment echoed by Feijoo. Approving such an amnesty would be a contentious move for Sanchez, as it contradicts the stance of both the right-wing opposition and certain elements within his own Socialist Party.
While Sanchez’s government granted pardons to approximately a dozen Catalan separatist leaders imprisoned due to the failed secession attempt in 2021, he has refrained from making public statements regarding the amnesty issue, emphasizing his commitment to the policy of “normalization in Catalonia.”
