Alberto Núñez Feijóo, the President of the Partido Popular (PP), officially announced the convening of an extraordinary national congress, scheduled to take place in Madrid on July 5 and 6. The initiative, confirmed during the PP's Committee of Direction, is aimed at addressing significant reforms within the party and preparing for a possible advance in elections, as indicated by an increasing sense of instability in the Spanish government under Pedro Sánchez.

Feijóo expressed the desire for the congress to operate as an ordinary assembly rather than a special one, despite being held before the four-year period established by party statutes.

His intention is to emerge from the congress with a comprehensive political platform and revised statutes.

The congress will be held at the Ifema facilities in Madrid, a venue that was reserved by the PP president on March 11.

In his speech to the National Executive Council, Feijóo emphasized the need for the party to be prepared to regain the trust of the Spanish public, referencing recent governmental failures, including significant power outages and questions surrounding the management of public finances.

He stated that the electorate would have clarity about the government's expenditure following the multitude of tax increases introduced since 2018.

During the executive meeting, voices in opposition to the timing of the congress raised concerns, yet others echoed the necessity for action against a government deemed incapable of passing essential legislation and effectively managing national affairs.

Notably, Juanma Moreno, a regional leader, spoke on the urgency to strengthen Spain's position amid governmental chaos.

While some leading figures within the party criticized the lack of broader consultation regarding the congress, others remarked with humor about the inability to take vacations in July, indicating a commitment to the upcoming electoral cycle.

Feijóo's strategy includes gearing up for regional elections in Castilla y León and Andalucía in 2024, as well as the potential for early general elections.

Feijóo asserted that if Pedro Sánchez fails to be truthful, the subsequent government would address the situation, touting tax reductions as part of the PP’s future agenda.

The PP leader articulated that the current government is already in a countdown to its end, emphasizing the party's readiness for an electoral challenge, which he believes is imminent due to the government's manifest instability.

Amidst the discussions regarding party structure, Feijóo mentioned structural changes resulting from new appointments at the European level, including the election of Dolors Montserrat as the new Secretary-General of the PP in Europe.

These shifts necessitate the redistribution of significant responsibilities among the party's leadership.

Isabel Díaz Ayuso, the President of the Community of Madrid, voiced her support for accelerating the congress's timeline, citing the public discourse surrounding the event.

She aligned herself with Feijóo’s vision for the party and assured that her support would come from various regional leaders.

Feijóo's announcement included a light-hearted comparison of the upcoming congress to the conclave of the Pope, eliciting a mix of reactions from attendees.

He stressed that Spain urgently requires a fresh approach to governance and positioned the PP as the primary alternative to the current administration, highlighting his commitment to generating a hopeful vision for the future.