SPANISH POLITICS
Domestic political developments in Spain, including coalition negotiations, elections, regional governance, and the dynamics between the PP, Vox and other parties
35 articles
Ayuso breaks with Feijóo's shift toward Junts: 'The sensible thing is to stay away from the constant separatist threat'
EL PAÍSAyuso se desmarca del giro de Feijóo con Junts: “Lo sensato es alejarse de la amenaza independentista constante”
Jul 1, 2026, 04:27 PM
Madrid regional president Isabel Díaz Ayuso distanced herself from PP leader Feijóo's overtures to Catalan party Junts, saying it is 'sensible to stay away from the constant separatist threat.' She suggested the government wants to 'nationalise socialists' by fostering votes through arbitrary favours.
Lara Hernández leaves the Sumar movement, denounces a 'smear campaign' against her
EL PAÍSLara Hernández abandona Movimiento Sumar y denuncia una “campaña de desprestigio” en su contra
Jul 1, 2026, 11:19 AM
Lara Hernández has left the Sumar movement, denouncing a 'smear campaign' against her. The current coordinator is stepping down ahead of the party's third assembly, to be held July 11, after an internal harassment investigation was shelved.
Aznar calls on Feijóo to build a 'national majority' from left to right to prevent a 'change of system'
EL PAÍSAznar reclama a Feijóo una “mayoría nacional” desde la izquierda a la derecha para evitar “un cambio de sistema”
Jul 1, 2026, 09:36 AM
Former Spanish PM José María Aznar calls on current opposition leader Feijóo to build a 'national majority' spanning left to right to avoid a 'change of system'. PP official Ester Muñoz acknowledged the party has always defended nationality rights for Spaniards who had to go into exile.
Live politics: Marlaska on Leire Díez's dealings: 'My Ministry is clean. Unlike others, we act under the principle of legality'
EL PAÍSÚltima hora de la actualidad política, en directo | Marlaska, sobre los manejos de Leire Díez: “Mi Ministerio está limpio. A diferencia de otros, actuamos bajo el principio de legalidad”
Jun 30, 2026, 03:49 PM
In Spain's live political coverage, Interior Minister Marlaska defended his ministry over the dealings of Leire Díez, saying it operates 'under the principle of legality' unlike others. The PP continues to allege possible electoral fraud linked to the 'grandchildren law', while Vox asks the electoral board to bar postal voting for Spaniards living abroad.
Almeida promises more 'affordable' housing and two parks named after popes in a city debate with electoral overtones
EL PAÍSAlmeida promete más viviendas “asequibles” y dos parques con nombre de papa en un debate de la ciudad con aire electoral
Jun 30, 2026, 11:56 AM
Madrid Mayor Almeida promised more 'affordable' housing and two parks named after popes in a city debate with an electoral tone. He responded to questions about the capital's state with a string of announcements, including approval of the Operación Campamento plan and changes to land use.
Sánchez: Without immigration, Spain would lose 19% of its GDP by 2050
EL PAÍSSánchez: “Sin inmigración, España perdería un 19% de su PIB en 2050”
Jun 30, 2026, 08:46 AM
Spanish PM Pedro Sánchez argued that without immigration Spain would lose 19% of its GDP by 2050, as the government presented an integration plan with a €500 million budget. The move frames migration as essential to the country's economic future.
Feijóo courts Junts to shift the political board
EL PAÍSFeijóo corteja a Junts para mover el tablero
Jun 30, 2026, 03:30 AM
An El País report says PP leader Feijóo is courting Junts to shift the political board, apparently driven by the need to make possible deals with the Catalan nationalist right. The move suggests a recalibration of his strategy toward potential right-wing alliances.
The invasion of the mind snatchers
EL PAÍSLa invasión de los ladrones de mentes
Jun 30, 2026, 03:30 AM
An El País opinion piece argues that even the most intense anti-Sánchez sentiment does not justify extraordinary criminal-law solutions. It warns against repeating the path taken by the criminal resolution of the Catalan conflict.
Turning the page on the Catalan independence process
EL PAÍSPasar página del ‘procés’
Jun 30, 2026, 03:30 AM
An El País analysis says PP leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo is trying to move past the Catalan independence push, attempting to rectify years of fierce rejection of détente in Catalonia in order to court Junts. The shift signals a tactical recalibration toward the Catalan nationalist right.
Uncertainty over the amnesty blocks any deal between Catalan separatism and the PP
EL PAÍSLa incertidumbre sobre la amnistía impide cualquier acuerdo del independentismo catalán con el PP
Jun 30, 2026, 03:30 AM
Uncertainty over the amnesty is blocking any agreement between Catalan pro-independence forces and the PP. Esquerra warns of the 'recklessness' of negotiating with the conservatives, while the PSC demands that the PP withdraw its appeals before the Constitutional Court.
France wants to learn from Spain how to face the new heatwaves: 'In Madrid, at 40 degrees, society functions'
EL PAÍSFrancia quiere aprender de España cómo afrontar las nuevas olas de calor: “En Madrid, con 40 grados, la sociedad funciona”
Jun 29, 2026, 03:15 PM
France wants to learn from Spain how to cope with new heatwaves, with its labour minister praising how Madrid keeps society functioning at 40 degrees. The minister announced a trip with union representatives to the Spanish capital to study its adaptation to high temperatures.
Feijóo casts doubt on census rise from the 'grandchildren law': 'It's electoral engineering, manufacturing new voters'
EL PAÍSFeijóo siembra dudas sobre el incremento del censo por la ‘ley de nietos’: “Es ingeniería electoral, fabricar nuevos votantes”
Jun 29, 2026, 12:57 PM
Spain's opposition leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo cast doubt on the rise in the electoral census linked to the 'grandchildren law', calling it 'electoral engineering' to 'manufacture new voters'. The government called his words 'irresponsible'; Feijóo also proposed giving extra seats to the most-voted list.
Madrid Provincial Court confirms dismissal of case over banner in which Hazte Oír called Sánchez 'corrupt'
EL PAÍSLa Audiencia Provincial de Madrid confirma el archivo de la causa por la lona en la que Hazte Oír llamó “corrupto” a Sánchez
Jun 29, 2026, 12:32 PM
The Provincial Court of Madrid has confirmed the dismissal of a case over a banner by the group Hazte Oír that called Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez 'corrupt'. The judge found no intent to insult but rather the expression of political criticism protected by freedom of speech.
PSOE and Sumar agree on a new housing decree that restores rental contract extensions
EL PAÍSPSOE y Sumar acuerdan un nuevo decreto de vivienda que recupera la prórroga de los alquileres
Jun 29, 2026, 11:25 AM
Spain's coalition partners PSOE and Sumar have agreed on a new housing decree that restores the automatic extension of rental contracts. The still-unfinished text would also impose a 21% VAT on tourist apartments.
Immigrant regularization ends with figures exceeding initial forecasts: 'It is the lifeline for all of us'
EL PAÍSLa regularización de inmigrantes culmina con cifras que superan las previsiones iniciales: “Es la tabla de salvación de todos nosotros”
Jun 29, 2026, 03:30 AM
Spain's regularization of undocumented immigrants has ended with figures exceeding initial forecasts, with one beneficiary calling it 'the lifeline for all of us'. The application deadline closes Tuesday, and processing continues to resolve each case.
Lawyer Miriam González registers a new party while weighing a run in the general elections
EL PAÍSLa abogada Miriam González registra un nuevo partido mientras sopesa presentarse a las generales
Jun 25, 2026, 07:40 PM
Lawyer Miriam González has registered a new political party while weighing whether to run in Spain's general elections. González, the driving force behind the España Mejor movement, is the wife of Nick Clegg, the former UK deputy prime minister. Her move signals a potential new contender in the Spanish political arena.
Enma López will fight to be the PSOE's candidate for mayor of Madrid: 'Many people are eager for us to inspire them'
EL PAÍSEnma López dará la batalla para ser candidata del PSOE a la Alcaldía de Madrid: “Hay mucha gente que está deseando que les ilusionemos”
Jun 25, 2026, 07:30 PM
Madrid city councillor Enma López, a member of the Socialist Party's federal leadership, will run in the PSOE primaries against Reyes Maroto to become the party's candidate for mayor of Madrid in 2027. 'There are many people eager for us to inspire them,' she said. Her bid sets up an internal contest for the Socialists' Madrid ticket.
José Pablo López accuses the PP of subjecting RTVE to 'a state of siege'
EL PAÍSJosé Pablo López acusa al PP de someter a RTVE a “un estado de sitio”
Jun 25, 2026, 05:37 PM
RTVE president José Pablo López accused the Popular Party of subjecting Spain's public broadcaster to 'a state of siege,' asking the conservatives to let the corporation 'work in peace once and for all.' The PP replied that 'you are subjected to government dictation.' The clash reflects a deepening political battle over control and independence of public media in Spain.
Transport Ministry sees Renfe and Ports investments safe after Congress's blow to the decree with rail credits
EL PAÍSTransportes ve a salvo las inversiones de Renfe y Puertos tras el golpe del Congreso al decreto con créditos para trenes
Jun 25, 2026, 02:52 PM
Spain's Transport Ministry says investments in the rail operator Renfe and the ports network are safe after Congress struck down a royal decree containing 936 million euros in extraordinary financing. The decree fell when Junts voted alongside the PP, VOX and UPN, but the ministry says Renfe and the ports had already received their allocations. The defeat marks another parliamentary setback for the government.
Feijóo accuses Sánchez of 'indiscipline' toward the legislature if he doesn't resign after Congress's non-binding vote
EL PAÍSFeijóo acusa a Sánchez de “indisciplina” al poder legislativo si no dimite tras la votación no vinculante del Congreso
Jun 25, 2026, 01:56 PM
Popular Party leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo accused Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez of showing 'indiscipline' toward the legislature if he does not resign after the non-binding Congress vote. Feijóo hinted at a possible no-confidence motion and said he has 'taken good note' that the PP, Vox and Junts voted together in favor of demanding the president's resignation. His remarks raise the political pressure on the government.
Congress approves, with Junts and Vox support, the PP motion demanding Pedro Sánchez resign and call a confidence vote
EL PAÍSEl Congreso aprueba con el apoyo de Junts y Vox la moción del PP que pide la dimisión de Pedro Sánchez y una cuestión de confianza
Jun 25, 2026, 12:57 PM
Spain's Congress approved, with the support of Junts and Vox, a Popular Party motion calling for Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez to resign and submit to a confidence vote. In the same session, the pro-independence Junts also helped strike down a government decree, abstained on another concerning the youth transport subsidy, and backed two laws. The vote, though non-binding, marks a symbolic blow to the government.
Ayuso escalates the Quirón case into a spy plot: 'There are microphones in the office, and my partner's lawyers had computers stolen'
EL PAÍSAyuso eleva el caso Quirón a una trama de espías: “En el despacho hay micrófonos y a los abogados de mi pareja le robaron ordenadores”
Jun 25, 2026, 12:02 PM
Madrid regional president Isabel Díaz Ayuso has escalated the so-called Quirón case into a claim of an espionage plot, asserting that microphones were found in the office of an executive at the healthcare group where her partner works and that lawyers for her partner had computers stolen. Her allegations add a dramatic new dimension to the legal and political saga surrounding her boyfriend. Critics question the basis for the claims.
Two executive resignations strain the countdown to Sumar's assembly
EL PAÍSLa dimisión de dos miembros de la ejecutiva tensa la cuenta atrás de la asamblea de Movimiento Sumar
Jun 9, 2026, 02:43 PM
The resignation of two members of its executive has heightened tension in the run-up to the assembly of the Sumar Movement. The organization secretary and the communications chief have left the party amid sharp criticism of coordinator Lara Hernández; the leadership votes this Thursday to hold its conclave on 11 July.
Feijóo shifts from courting Junts to trying to split its electorate
EL PAÍSFeijóo pasa de cortejar a Junts a intentar una brecha en su electorado
Jun 7, 2026, 03:30 AM
The Catalan PP sees Puigdemont's backing for a no-confidence motion as unfeasible, as the party changes its strategy toward Junts voters.
The government leaves its secularist project half-done after eight years of friction with the bishops
EL PAÍSEl Gobierno deja a medias su proyecto laicista tras ocho años de roces y pactos con los obispos
Jun 7, 2026, 03:30 AM
A review of the Sánchez governments' relationship with the Church shows progress on religious neutrality but an unfinished secularist agenda after eight years of friction and pacts.
Núñez Feijóo is not an (emotional) leader
EL PAÍSNúñez Feijóo no es un líder (emocional)
Jun 7, 2026, 03:30 AM
Opinion: the opposition leader has revealed an essential shortcoming in his leadership for a polarized electoral context.
Sumar's Maíllo Pushes for Early Leadership Vote Before May
EL PAÍSMaíllo propone a los partidos de Sumar acelerar la elección del líder a antes de mayo
Mar 17, 2026, 01:24 PM
Toni Maíllo, a leading figure in Spain's left-wing Sumar coalition, has proposed bringing forward the election of a new party leader to before May, urging member parties to agree on an accelerated timetable. Verónica Barbero, representing Movimiento Sumar, expressed support for holding an assembly to move the process forward. The push reflects growing internal pressure within Sumar to resolve its leadership vacuum following Yolanda Díaz's departure.
Judge Drops Misconduct Case Against Ayuso's Third-in-Command
EL PAÍSUna jueza archiva la causa de prevaricación contra la número tres de Ayuso
Mar 17, 2026, 11:29 AM
A judge in Madrid has dismissed the misconduct investigation against Ana Millán, the third-ranking official in the Madrid regional government led by Isabel Díaz Ayuso. The judge followed the Public Prosecutor's recommendation and agreed to close the case at Millán's own request. The ruling ends a legal probe that had put pressure on one of Ayuso's most senior aides.
Door-to-Door Canvassing: Más Madrid's Bid to Win Back Left-Wing Voters
EL PAÍS“Cara amable, no se miente”: puerta a puerta para reconquistar al votante de izquierda en Madrid
Mar 17, 2026, 04:30 AM
Thirty activists, councillors and MPs from the left-wing party Más Madrid are canvassing the Arganzuela district of the Spanish capital, knocking on doors to listen to residents' concerns. The initiative, closely followed by EL PAÍS, is one of the party's flagship strategies to reconnect with disillusioned left-wing voters in Madrid. The campaign reflects a broader effort by the Spanish left to rebuild grassroots ties in a city long dominated by the conservative Partido Popular.
Does Spain's Government Have a Vision for Indra?
EL PAÍS¿Tiene el Gobierno una visión de futuro para Indra?
Mar 17, 2026, 04:30 AM
Spain's ambition to forge a national defence champion around Indra is clouded by uncertainty over the government's unexplained interventions in the company. Critics question whether the executive has a coherent long-term strategy for the defence technology firm, or is simply acting without a clear roadmap. The lack of transparency is fuelling debate over Spain's industrial and security policy at a time of rising European defence ambitions.
Tearing Apart Social Consensus: The Battle Over Balearic Memory Law
EL PAÍSRomper la concordia
Mar 17, 2026, 04:30 AM
An opinion piece in El País argues that the push to repeal the Balearic Islands' Democratic Memory Law exploits social division and serves the interests of a narrow minority. The author contends that framing the repeal as a matter of social harmony is misleading, amounting to empty political rhetoric. The piece calls out the move as an attack on the historical recognition of victims of Francoism and the Civil War.
Spain Must Modernise Its Classified Information Law
EL PAÍSUrge la ley de información clasificada
Mar 17, 2026, 04:30 AM
Spain urgently needs a modern classified information law to replace its outdated secrecy framework. The article argues that state secrecy must remain the exception, strictly tied to constitutionally grounded public interest and governed by clear legislation. Without such a law, democratic oversight of government confidentiality cannot be properly guaranteed.
Prosecutors Drop Inquiry into PSOE's 'Pendrive' Submitted to National Court in Leire Díez Case
EL PAÍSLa Fiscalía archiva las diligencias del ‘pendrive’ de la investigación de Leire Díez que el PSOE entregó en la Audiencia Nacional
Mar 17, 2026, 04:30 AM
Spanish prosecutors have shelved their inquiry into a USB drive submitted by the ruling Socialist Party (PSOE) to the National Court as part of the investigation into former party member Leire Díez. After receiving a report from the Civil Guard's forensic unit (UCO), the public prosecutor found no new elements in the material provided and decided not to open any new legal proceedings. The decision effectively closes this particular avenue of the wider political corruption case.
Judge Pedraz Separates Alleged Cash Delivery at PSOE HQ from Fuel Fraud Case
EL PAÍSEl juez Pedraz desvincula la supuesta entrega de dinero en Ferraz de Carmen Pano con la trama de hidrocarburos
Mar 17, 2026, 04:30 AM
Judge Santiago Pedraz has ruled that the alleged cash handover at the PSOE's Ferraz headquarters involving Carmen Pano is not connected to the wider hydrocarbon fraud network under investigation. The judge rejected calls to summon eight new witnesses and refused to order the identification of individuals who worked on the second floor of the Socialist party's Madrid headquarters. The ruling narrows the judicial scope of the case and limits further investigative avenues linked to the PSOE premises.
PP urges Vox to 'take note' from Castilla y León and speed up coalition deals
EL PAÍSEl PP espera que Vox “tome nota” de Castilla y León y “acelere” los acuerdos
Mar 17, 2026, 04:30 AM
Spain's centre-right Partido Popular is urging its far-right coalition partner Vox to take lessons from the regional governing experience in Castilla y León and move faster toward formalising agreements elsewhere. PP leader Alberto Feijóo convened a discreet lunch with three regional barons and the party's two chief negotiators to coordinate strategy with Vox. The meeting signals growing impatience within the PP over the pace of coalition-building with the far-right party at the regional level.