Alberto Núñez Feijóo, the leader of Spain's People's Party (PP), marked the third anniversary of his presidency in Seville on Sunday by launching a pointed criticism against Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez over the government's failure to present the national budget for 2025. Feijóo characterized Sánchez's approach as an example of 'Sanchista despotism,' claiming it undermines constitutional obligations.

In his address, Feijóo condemned the government’s choice to extend the previous budget, which he referred to as 'a prolongation of their lies and decay.' His remark, 'But what kind of banana republic do they think we are!' underscored his disdain for the government's budgetary management.

Three years after pledging to maintain a moderate opposition, Feijóo refrained from discussing a potential agreement with the Socialist Party (PSOE) concerning increased defense spending, focusing instead on additional tax cuts.

He indicated that Sánchez's reluctance to present a budget stems from embarrassment over his administration's performance, suggesting that presenting a budget 'is not discretionary; it is a constitutional obligation.'

Despite the PP's assertion that Sánchez's government is losing support, several regional PP administrations, including in Valencia, are also struggling with their own budget approvals.

They face tense negotiations with the far-right party Vox, which has gained influence following a recent budget deal with the PP in Valencia.

Feijóo's comments come amid a general climate of political instability.

He has repeatedly emphasized that the obligation to present a public accounts project in Congress is not optional.

At the XXVII interparliamentary meeting of the PP held in Seville, he labeled the current legislative period as 'Sanchista despotism,' arguing that the Sánchez administration has shown a tendency to bypass the democratic parliament.

Reflecting on his time as party president, Feijóo acknowledged that he had not met all the objectives set during his ascension to leadership, admitting, 'We have learned that it is no longer enough to win.

We will not make it with shortcuts.

We will arrive a little later, but we will arrive.'

Juan Manuel Moreno Bonilla, the president of Andalusia, expressed confidence in the PP, stating that Sánchez's government is 'in its last throes,' indicating a belief in impending political changes.

Meanwhile, María Jesús Montero, the PSOE's first vice president, countered the PP's critiques, asserting that the PSOE plans to see the legislature through to completion, stating, 'If the PP wants to change leadership, it has almost three years ahead.'

Throughout the weekend gathering, feuding over leadership and policy directions was noted amid the absence of many prominent PP regional leaders, highlighting existing tensions within the party.

As Feijóo commemorates his leadership anniversary, the backdrop of intra-party discord and economic uncertainties remains a crucial aspect of Spain's current political landscape.