Government Suffers Major Parliamentary Defeat as Key Decree Rejected
Table of Contents
Madrid, Spain – The Spanish government has suffered a significant parliamentary setback, with a crucial decree on energy policy being narrowly defeated. The vote, which saw opposition parties unite against the ruling coalition, highlights the precariousness of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s management and its reliance on a fragmented parliamentary majority.
PP Capitalizes on Government Weakness
The Popular Party (PP) was speedy to condemn the government’s handling of the situation, with spokesperson Elsa García de Blas informing deputies that the PP’s decision to vote against the decree was only finalized after learning that Junts per Catalunya would also oppose it. The PP prioritized inflicting a parliamentary defeat on the government, using the vote to underscore the administration’s perceived instability.
“Pedro Sánchez will not have achieved one of their goals. The defeat is total,” the PP declared, referencing the government’s earlier forced withdrawal of the “Bolaños Law” concerning justice modernization and the reduction of working hours, which is slated to return after the summer recess. The opposition also pointed to the abstention of some government partners as further evidence of the administration’s weakened position.
Junts Demands Fulfillment of Agreements
Junts per Catalunya reiterated its stance of conditional support, confirming its rejection of the decree. The Catalan pro-independence party stated that their support for any government initiative is contingent on the fulfillment of prior agreements, particularly concerning financial transfers to the autonomous communities, including Catalonia.
“If an agreement is reached, it is indeed fulfilled. If it is indeed fulfilled, we are. When they do not want to comply, the votes are already sought,” explained Junts spokesperson Miriam Nogueras from the parliamentary tribune. The party also issued a stern warning to the government to expedite the passage of the amnesty law, urging them to “do what they have to do.”
Unidas Podemos and Allies Cite Oligopoly Concerns
Unidas podemos justified its refusal to support the decree by arguing that the government is shirking its responsibilities regarding the “oligopoly blackout” of major energy companies, suggesting the executive is more beholden to these entities than to its own mandate.
This position was echoed by Néstor Rego of the BNG, who argued that the decree grants further power to large electricity companies and perpetuates an “unsustainable energy transition model at the service of the oligopoly.” Rego denounced the reform for allowing “companies to decide freely were to install wind farms, photovoltaic or reversible hydroelectric plants, without environmental guarantees or social participation.”
Jorge Pueyo, a deputy from the Aragonesist Chunta within Sumar, explained his vote against the decree as a defense of aragon and a protest against “strengthening the ancient constant of a state that is co-opted by the interests of the great electricity.”
Mikel Otero of EH Bildu, while acknowledging the criticisms, defended the government’s efforts, stating that many “effective improvements in the good direction” had been secured during negotiations for the sector and renewables. He cautioned against a “big bullfight” to dismantle these changes, which he believes benefit many people.
Government Secures Broad Support for Autonomous Payments Decree
In a contrasting outcome, the plenary session overwhelmingly endorsed the Royal Decree facilitating advance payments to the autonomous communities. The decree passed with a substantial 308 votes in favor, 39 against, and one abstention.
First Vice president and Minister of Finance, María Jesús Montero, highlighted the record figures involved in these advance payments, totaling €21,518 million more than in 2024 under the new system. The Ministry of finance asserts that this measure is crucial for the work of weaving the previous spending ceiling, which is essential for processing the 2026 budgets.