The XXVIII Conference of Presidents held in Barcelona on Friday was marked by significant political tensions, as regional leaders gathered to discuss pivotal issues.

The conference comes at a time of heightened political unrest in Spain, with the main opposition party, the People's Party (PP), emphasizing its dissent against the central government led by Pedro Sánchez.

Vox leader Santiago Abascal publicly criticized the PP for its perceived contradictions in negotiating with a government he characterized as a 'mafia,' stating, 'You cannot say the government is a criminal organization and simultaneously reach agreements with that organization.' This sentiment reflected the broader sentiment of the opposition, which has framed the government as an entity that undermines democratic values.

The upcoming demonstration on Sunday carries the provocative slogan: 'Mafia or democracy.'

The Sánchez administration aimed to shift the focus of the conference to its proposal for tripling public investment in housing, which has emerged as a critical issue for citizens.

Barcelona was chosen as the venue to symbolize institutional normalization in Catalonia.

However, the planned discussions quickly devolved into heated exchanges, effectively overshadowing the government's agenda.

The conference's agenda, set by the PP, included 14 points, some of which were unrelated to regional governance, such as judicial reforms.

This prompted immediate calls from PP representatives, including Carlos Mazón from Valencia, for the government to call early elections.

The discussions regarding governmental management were largely eclipsed by partisan disagreements.

Only five autonomous communities—Basque Country, Catalonia, Navarra, Asturias, and Canary Islands—expressed a clear willingness to engage in negotiations regarding promised economic transfers, as noted by Minister of Housing Isabel Rodríguez.

Isabel Díaz Ayuso, the President of the Community of Madrid, dominated media attention during the conference.

She engaged in pointed exchanges with fellow leaders, notably refusing to greet Mónica García, the Health Minister and leader of Más Madrid, due to past accusations related to the handling of elderly deaths during the pandemic.

Ayuso's actions drew particular criticism from Imanol Pradales, the Basque Lehendakari, after she left during discussions in both Catalan and Basque languages.

Members of the PP, including Alfonso Rueda from Galicia and Marga Prohens from the Balearic Islands, also participated in the use of their respective regional languages during the proceedings, contrasting with Ayuso's stance.

Alberto Núñez Feijóo, the PP leader, echoed Ayuso's sentiments regarding the use of co-official languages and accused Sánchez of fostering division.

The backdrop of dissatisfaction for the PP stems from the party's electoral setbacks over the past two years, reminiscent of the 1993 elections that popularized the term 'crispación' in Spanish politics.

Despite predictions of a shift in power, the government has thus far remained intact in the face of various political pressures, including issues surrounding amnesty policies, corruption allegations, and other controversies.

With former Prime Minister José María Aznar reminding that 'two years remain until the elections,' the political landscape in Spain appears set for continued contention as parties position themselves for the future.