SPANISH POLITICS
Domestic political developments in Spain, including coalition negotiations, elections, regional governance, and the dynamics between the PP, Vox and other parties
9 articles
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
3/17/2026, 1:24:43 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
3/17/2026, 11:29:25 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.
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
3/17/2026, 4:30:01 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.
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
3/17/2026, 4:30:01 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.
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
3/17/2026, 4:30:01 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.
Tearing Apart Social Consensus: The Battle Over Balearic Memory Law
EL PAÍSRomper la concordia
3/17/2026, 4:30:01 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.
Does Spain's Government Have a Vision for Indra?
EL PAÍS¿Tiene el Gobierno una visión de futuro para Indra?
3/17/2026, 4:30:01 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.
Spain Must Modernise Its Classified Information Law
EL PAÍSUrge la ley de información clasificada
3/17/2026, 4:30:01 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.
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
3/17/2026, 4:30:01 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.