In a notable political clash, the Partido Popular (PP), led by Isabel Díaz Ayuso, has momentarily blocked Vox’s attempt to summon Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez to testify before a Madrid Assembly commission.

The commission is investigating the alleged favoritism received by Sánchez's wife, Begoña Gómez, in her professional connections with the Complutense University of Madrid (UCM).

Sources within the far-right Vox party and an official spokesperson for the regional parliament confirmed the PP's stance.

The PP justified its decision by citing the commission’s work plan, which stipulates that only public servants should testify at this juncture.

The plan indicates that Wednesday’s session is set for the appearance of public university officials like José María Coello de Portugal Martínezez Peral and Concepción García Gómez, both from the Complutense University.

This inquiry focuses on Gómez's employment with the university, which began in 2012 and concluded this year amidst a judicial investigation, leading to the abrupt closure of both the chair and the master’s program she led.

According to insiders, the PP is keen on leveraging the inquiry to scrutinize Gómez’s ties with UCM Rector Joaquín Goyache and to clarify the basis upon which Gómez was appointed to lead the competitive social transformation program.

Questions loom regarding her qualifications and the university’s funding sources.

Goyache, during a recent commission appearance, dismissed accusations of irregularity or undue influence in Gómez’s appointments.

Despite the PP’s procedural delay, the prospect of summoning Sánchez still looms.

A parliamentary source from the PP emphasizes that the issue might boil down to political credit: who claims the accolade of requesting the Prime Minister’s testimony.

Vox accuses the PP of sidestepping rules to monopolize this potential political coup.

However, the likelihood of Sánchez or central government officials respecting the summons remains slim.

Historical precedent indicates these figures typically reject such summons from regional assemblies, citing obligations only to national legislative bodies such as the Congress and Senate.

Central government sources recall similar regional attempts during Mariano Rajoy’s tenure, reaffirming that government ministers seldom consent to regional investigative calls, citing guidance from the Council of State.

Thus, the historical and legal context might ensure that the dust-up over Sánchez’s appearance in Madrid remains a symbolic procedural skirmish.