Feijóo will try to govern even if he is not the most voted list: “The objective is to oust Sánchez”

Feijóo's Governing Ambitions

Alberto Núñez Feijóo, the leader of the People's Party (PP), has articulated a clear strategy to pursue the premiership of Spain, even in scenarios where his party does not emerge as the most voted in the general election. This stance directly challenges the traditional expectation that the party with the highest number of votes typically forms the government. Feijóo's assertion, "The objective is to oust Sánchez," underscores a deeply personal and political antagonism towards the current Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez, whom he labels "toxic and conflictive." This framing suggests that Feijóo's primary motivation is not merely to win an election but to actively dismantle the current socialist administration, prioritizing political change over strict adherence to electoral plurality.

Furthermore, Feijóo has not shied away from the possibility of forming a governing coalition with Vox, a far-right political party. He referenced existing pacts in various autonomous communities as a precedent, indicating a pragmatic approach to securing power. This willingness to align with Vox, a party known for its conservative social policies and nationalist stance, signals a potential shift in Spain's political direction, moving further to the right. Feijóo's justification, "I will listen to what the Spaniards order," suggests a belief that the electorate's will, as expressed through parliamentary arithmetic, should dictate the governing coalition, even if it deviates from the single most voted list.

Policy Realignments

Beyond the immediate pursuit of power, Feijóo has outlined significant policy intentions that would reshape Spain's social and governmental structure. A key proposal is the reform of the euthanasia law, with Feijóo stating, "Dignified life is above dignified death." This suggests a move to re-evaluate the current legislation, potentially emphasizing the role of medical professionals and the patient's overall quality of life before end-of-life decisions are made. He has indicated that active euthanasia processes might be reviewed, reflecting a more cautious or conservative approach to assisted dying.

Another notable policy announcement is the planned elimination of the Ministry of Equality. Feijóo intends to integrate its functions into other existing ministries, arguing against maintaining a large number of ministerial portfolios and suggesting that the current ministry's scope is too narrow. He stated, "The Minister of Equality cannot work from eight to three," implying a desire for broader responsibilities and perhaps a critique of the current ministry's perceived effectiveness or focus. Despite this, Feijóo has also identified himself as a feminist, asserting that women have equal rights, a statement that may aim to temper concerns about the dissolution of a dedicated equality portfolio.

Electoral Dynamics and Legal Considerations

The political maneuvering described by Feijóo occurs against the backdrop of an advancing pre-campaign period, with parties finalizing their candidacies. A significant legal hurdle mentioned is the Supreme Court's review of allegations concerning the suspension of voting rights for naturalized citizens, stemming from the "law of grandchildren." This legal challenge could impact the electoral process and the composition of the electorate. Additionally, the article notes the logistical requirements for extra-parliamentary parties to gather a minimum number of endorsements in each electoral district, ranging from over 5,000 in Madrid to less than a hundred in Soria, highlighting the procedural complexities of electoral participation in Spain.

Feijóo's commitment to raising pensions annually in line with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and ensuring their future viability is also a key electoral promise. He criticizes the current government's handling of pension funds but vows not to alter pension benefits. However, his stance on the minimum wage is less definitive. While aiming to increase the average wage and overall purchasing power, he avoids a direct commitment to raising the minimum wage, preferring to consult with unions and social agents to avoid the perceived negative impacts on productivity and competitiveness that he attributes to the current government's approach.