Pedro Sánchez is Confirmed To Serve As Prime Minister of Spain For Another Term
Date : 16th November, 2023
THE SOIL – Pedro Sánchez, the socialist leader, has won a parliamentary vote to serve as prime minister of Spain for a second term, capping weeks of squabbling.
After reaching an agreement to grant amnesty to Catalans implicated in a failed attempt to secede from Spain, he was able to garner a four-seat majority in the 350-seat house.
In July, the conservative Popular Party emerged victorious in elections, but its leader, Alberto Núñez Feijóo, was unable to secure a majority.
Mr. Feijóo Stated That - "The prime minister is more interested in serving his own interests than those of his nation."
Opponents claim that his proposed amnesty pact for hundreds of politicians and activists will lead to another secession push and jeopardise Spain’s territorial unity, which is why he relies on two Catalan pro-independence parties to establish a majority.
“Wounds will heal” thanks to the amnesty agreement, Mr. Sánchez told lawmakers.
When the vote’s outcome was verified, socialist MPs cheered their leader for a long time but as they left the Spanish Congress building, demonstrators jeered the lawmakers.
Tens of thousands of Spaniards participated in rallies throughout Spain last weekend. Mr. Feijóo has said that the prime minister is more interested in serving his own interests than those of his nation.
After the vote, the head of the Popular Party shook the hand of his opponent, but he subsequently told reporters, “I told the president of the government that this was a mistake but he is responsible for what he has just done.”
"Recognition of a nation different from that of Spain and a referendum for self-determination controlled the Socialists", Says Mr Feijóo
It was evident from Mr. Feijóo’s declaration that the people who want “recognition of a nation different from that of Spain and a referendum for self-determination” controlled the Socialists.
Just prior to the vote, Mr. Sánchez connected efforts to cast doubt on the legality of his new administration to an international movement. He made reference to Tucker Carlson, a former anchor for Fox News TV, being present at a recent demonstration outside the Socialist Party headquarters in Madrid.
As they exited a cafe close to Congress, a number of socialist members of parliament were pursued and pelted with eggs. Given the volatile political climate, delegates were warned to take personal safety precautions after MP Herminio Sánchez was struck by an egg.