Politics

Spain's Socialists Reach Coalition Deal with Far-Left

OCT 24 2023·Updated AUG 27

Story

Image credit: Wikimedia Commons

The Facts

A day after Socialist Party leader and Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez met far-left Sumar party chief and acting Labour Minister Yolanda Diaz, the two parties announced they had reached a "governing deal for a four-year legislative term" on Tuesday.
Al Jazeera
In a joint statement, the partners said their coalition government will focus on improving Spain through "quality employment, developing policies based on social and climate justice while broadening rights, feminist conquests, and freedoms."
Al Jazeera
The agreement includes commitment to the implementation of policies to expand a windfall tax for banks and energy firms, as well as reducing the official work week to 37.5 hours from the current 40 without any reduction in pay.
Reuters
Spain's conservative People's Party had narrowly beaten Sanchez's Socialist Party in July's inconclusive national election, but failed to create a majority coalition to form a new government.
Guardian
While this deal is a key step towards reinstating Sanchez for another term, he still doesn't have the necessary support to pass a confidence vote in the lower house of parliament.
France 24
Sanchez needs the backing of regional parties, including Catalan separatists JxCat and ERC. He has until Nov. 27 to secure a majority, or Spain will hold new elections on Jan. 14, 2024.
France 24

Sources Split

LEFT

CENTER

RIGHT

ESTAB
CRIT

CENTER

PRO
ESTAB

The Spin

Left narrative

Spain's left is taking the necessary steps to form a strong government and prevent the far-right from taking over the country. The Socialist Party was on its deathbed following July's election, but has seen a resurgence after the People's Party couldn't form a majority. With the help of the progressive Sumar party, Sanchez's Socialists can retake power and remake the state's democratic institutions.

Jacobin

Right narrative

Spain's acting government is trying to cling onto power by pledging to completely transform the country's laws and undermine Spanish sovereignty. The Socialists care about nothing except their own power and are willing to bend the knee to traitors and secessionists to get votes. Sanchez should think about more than himself when trying to form a government.

European Conservative