Alberto Núñez Feijóo, president of the Popular Party (PP), has called for a nationwide protest in Madrid, urging citizens to express their dissatisfaction with the government led by Pedro Sánchez.

In statements made in Santander and Bilbao, he emphasized the need for a "vibrant, awake, and united Spain" to accelerate the end of the current parliamentary term and to support his aspiration to become the next Prime Minister of Spain.

Feijóo stated, "I will ensure total cleaning," highlighting his commitment to governance focused on reconciliation and addressing national issues.

Feijóo aims for the demonstrations to reflect public discontent regarding multiple scandals surrounding Sánchez and hopes to galvanize support for a political shift.

"Spain is not what you are witnessing," he cautioned his audience of PP members and supporters, who responded enthusiastically to his speeches in both cities.

He asserted that his future government would concentrate all efforts and resources necessary to resolve the challenges facing Spaniards.

The PP leader reiterated a list of allegations pointing to the government’s lack of honesty and frivolity.

Feijóo appealed not only to PP voters but also to disenchanted socialists who may feel let down by Sánchez.

He specifically called on Basque socialists who may feel discomfort upon seeing victims of ETA, like Nicolás Redondo Terreros and Eduardo Madina, criticized for distancing themselves from Sánchez’s rhetoric.

Feijóo utilized his visit to Euskadi to criticize the Basque Nationalist Party (PNV), referring to its members as “accomplices of Sánchez.” Both he and Javier de Andrés, the PP's Basque president, expressed their positions following a controversial incident at the recent Conference of Presidents, in which Isabel Díaz Ayuso left when the Basque lehendakari, Imanol Pradales, spoke in Basque.

Feijóo opened the Bilbao event with an expression of thanks in Basque, stating, "Eskerrik asko a todos," which was well received by attendees.

This remark reinforced De Andrés’s unexpected promotion of the Basque language during the meeting, where he emphasized its importance and cultural significance.

De Andrés expressed that the Basque language should not be viewed as a divisive tool by independence supporters.

Feijóo declared, "Languages are a wealth that must be preserved and should never be used to divide people," asserting his pride in the PP's electoral successes in Galicia and stressing the importance of linguistic harmony.

He acknowledged that although De Andrés wants to use Basque more frequently, it is essential to embrace linguistic diversity as part of identity.

In parallel political developments, Pedro Sánchez faces pressure regarding BBVA’s takeover bid for Banco Sabadell.

Coalition partners are pushing Sánchez into a confrontation with the European Commission, which warns that obstructing the bid would be illegal.

With only 20 days until a government decision is required, key coalition parties in the Catalan Parliament have initiated a motion demanding governmental action against the BBVA proposal under the guise of protecting general interests.

The motion, principally supported by ERC and backed by various parties including the PSC, explicitly requests efforts to prohibit the BBVA-Sabadell merger.

It demands public clarity on resisting the operation to safeguard economic stability in Catalonia.

Economic Minister Carlos Cuerpo has been vocal about his concerns regarding the bid’s potential impact, noting the importance of local financial actors alongside larger entities.

As the situation unfolds, the European Commission has indicated its readiness to escalate the matter to the European Court of Justice if Spain intervenes unlawfully.

Cuerpo acknowledged this context while stressing the need for a thorough and robust government response, emphasizing the ongoing debate surrounding employment, regional cohesion, and financial inclusion amidst broader European integration efforts.