Spanish Opposition Criticizes Government’s Handling of Crisis Measures
Toledo, Spain – The Popular Party (PP) has intensified its criticism of the Spanish government’s recently approved economic decrees, focusing on a perceived lack of cohesion within the ruling coalition. Jaime de los Santos, the PP’s Vice-Secretary for Education and Equality, publicly questioned the conduct of ministers from the Sumar party during a recent Council of Ministers meeting.
De los Santos described the decrees as “the mother of all absurdities,” alleging they were approved in a fragmented manner following a disruptive Council of Ministers session. He specifically took issue with the absence of Sumar ministers – Yolanda Díaz, Ione Belarra, Alberto Garzón, and Mónica García – during part of the proceedings, characterizing them as individuals who “were the ones in the squares during the 15M protests, almost always rather unkempt.” He clarified this referred to both personal and intellectual shortcomings.
The remarks, delivered Sunday in Toledo at a Nuevas Generaciones (Young Generations) training event, represent a further escalation in the PP’s opposition to the government’s policies. De los Santos stated that the current government is “the worst Spain has had during this democracy.”
The PP is calling for early elections, though it remains unclear whether the party will ultimately support the measures contained within the decrees. The PP has confirmed it will vote against the decree aimed at freezing rental prices.
Government sources, however, downplayed the significance of the Council of Ministers disagreement. They described the situation not as a tense negotiation, but as a disagreement over housing measures that was resolved through discussion. Officials stated that the exchange occurred in a “very affable and reasonable” manner, ultimately leading to an agreement.
The approved decrees include measures to address the economic fallout from international crises and a separate decree freezing rental prices. The PP had previously criticized the government for allegedly copying its policies, while simultaneously demanding elections.