On Tuesday, the Spanish Congress approved the processing of the so-called 'anti-Tezanos' bill proposed by the People's Party (PP), despite the opposition from coalition government parties.

The initiative seeks to despoliticize the Centre for Sociological Research (CIS) by allowing its presidency to be elected through a vote in Congress and eliminating certain voting estimates.

Support for the bill came from the PP, Vox, the Navarrese People's Union (UPN), Canary Coalition, and Junts, whose vote was crucial.

However, the ruling Socialists (PSOE) and their usual allies—including Sumar, ERC, Bildu, PNV, Podemos, and BNG—voted against the proposal.

Following this decision, the next step for the PP's legislation is the initiation of parliamentary proceedings, starting with a period for presenting amendments.

This stage often sees the PSOE and Sumar freeze initiatives they oppose by approving successive extensions in the Congressional Board.

During the debate, the PP deputy José Antonio Bermúdez de Castro characterized the leadership of José Félix Tezanos at the CIS as a 'failure' and claimed it reflects a 'preconceived strategy by the sanchismo' to manipulate institutions to favor the socialists.

From Vox, deputy Carlos Flores expressed concern over the 'evident discrediting' of the sociological institution, linking it to a historical agreement between the PP and PSOE to share control of institutions.

He indicated Vox's readiness to support the consideration of the bill, noting the need for reform.

In contrast, PSOE deputy Javier Rodríguez criticized the PP's motivations for the bill, suggesting it arises from fear due to the CIS's accuracy and accused the party of hypocrisy concerning its past appointments at the CIS, including former PP minister Pilar del Castillo.

He argued that the proposed reform contradicts constitutional principles governing elections in Spain.

Coalition partners of the PSOE acknowledged the necessity for changes at the CIS but did not endorse the PP's proposal.

Sumar deputy Txema Guijarro warned that the PP's suggestions would further politicize the management of the organization, highlighting suspicions regarding the PP's intentions given its opaque usage of institutions in previous administrations.

ERC deputy Etna Estrems called for a reform of the CIS, along with a reassessment of the 'credibility of the PP' on this matter, suggesting that the CIS has operated with 'institutional servility' depending on the sitting government.

She cautioned the PP that their motivation appears focused on aligning the CIS with their interests.

Deputy Josep Pagés of Junts criticized both the PP and PSOE for using the CIS for political propaganda and noted their lack of trust in the PP's proposal, while acknowledging that the institution should adopt a more autonomous governance system.

Bildu's parliamentary spokesperson Mertxe Aizpurua cautioned that the PP's bill does not guarantee significant improvements, positing it reflects a nostalgia for the bipartite system and that the PP has historically engaged in political manipulation while in power.

Despite her criticism, she admitted that the CIS requires a change of model.

PNV deputy Mikel Legarda also indicated that his party does not support the modifications proposed by the PP, arguing they do not enhance the quality of surveys produced by the CIS.