Alberto Núñez Feijóo’s bid to form a government in Spain, despite limited support, follows inconclusive elections, potentially paving the way for Pedro Sánchez’s coalition efforts.
THE VOTES
The Popular Party’s leader seeks the Spanish prime ministership, facing two votes in Parliament. Wednesday demands 176 of 350 votes for a majority, a tough feat. If not, Friday’s vote requires more “Yes” than “No” votes, possibly benefiting from abstentions. Despite allies, he remains four votes short of a majority.
THE ELEPHANT
Feijóo’s chances rely on abstentions, but Catalan separatist parties reject this due to perceived hostility. The conservative Basque PNV party won’t align with Vox, which opposes decentralization and condemns Franco. This obstacle was highlighted in August when the Socialists outvoted the Popular Party, despite being second-largest, to elect a Socialist as the speaker, underscoring Feijóo’s challenges.
IF FEIJÓO FLOPS, SÁNCHEZ IS NEXT
Feijóo’s expected failure to form a government in Spain triggers a two-month period for other candidates to seek Parliament’s endorsement. If none succeed, Parliament dissolves on November 27, calling elections for January 14. Sánchez seeks to renew his left-wing coalition with the Sumar party but may rely on the Catalan separatist Junts, led by fugitive Carles Puigdemont, now a kingmaker with seven parliamentary seats. Puigdemont demands amnesty for Catalan separatists facing legal issues, a divisive move. Sánchez, having pardoned some leaders, hints at further reconciliation to “normalize” Catalonia’s politics, though it remains a contentious issue for many Spaniards.
FEIJÓO’S WILD CARD
Feijóo seeks to capitalize on the amnesty controversy to boost his slim chances of becoming prime minister in Spain. His Popular Party plans a protest against amnesty, urging disaffected Socialists to support him to hinder Sánchez’s separatist deal. Feijóo may face internal party criticism if he fails.
As a moderate, he contends with pressure from hard-line supporters of Madrid’s leader, Isabel Díaz Ayuso, who clashed with Sánchez during the pandemic over health restrictions.