Spanish Congress Moves to Reform CIS Amid Political Tensions
Legislation aims to 'depoliticize' the CIS, gaining support from opposition parties despite internal disagreements.
On Tuesday, the Congress of Deputies in Spain voted in favor of advancing legislation aimed at 'depoliticizing' the Centre for Sociological Research (CIS), currently led by José Félix Tezanos of the Socialist Party.
The proposal received backing from the People's Party (PP), VOX, Junts, and the regional party UPN, marking a significant shift in parliamentary dynamics.
Junts, despite its critical stance towards the PP, has opted to support the bill while departing from the investiture block of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez.
This unexpected alliance surprised many in the parliamentary chamber, with Junts’ deputy Josep Pagès previously expressing a lack of confidence in the PP’s proposal.
The voting process was briefly interrupted by celebrations from the PP upon hearing the results.
This vote represents the initial hurdle for the PP's legislative proposal, which will now proceed through parliamentary discussions, allowing for amendments from various parties.
The support from Junts indicates potential amendments may be required for the bill’s approval.
The proposed legislation aims to revise the existing regulations governing the CIS.
Key changes include stipulating that the presidency of the CIS can only be held by individuals who are professors in the field of sociology, without political or corporate affiliations.
Additionally, the nomination process would shift from solely the Council of Ministers to requiring that candidates pass a suitability examination conducted by Congress and receive an absolute majority vote.
The reform also proposes the establishment of an advisory board with similar stipulations and seeks to prohibit the publication of electoral polls during election campaigns, which could lead to legal conflicts as private media would retain the right to publish such polls.
Current regulations under the Electoral Regime Law (Loreg) permit survey publications, except during the final six days leading up to elections.
Since José Félix Tezanos assumed presidency of the CIS in mid-2018, the organization has faced significant scrutiny, particularly regarding its electoral forecasts, which have often predicted favorable outcomes for the PSOE and unfavorable results for the PP. In the latest barometer released in April, the CIS estimated electoral support for the PSOE at 32.6%, compared to 26.1% for the PP, contrasting with private polling averages that suggested the PP would lead with 33.8% against 28.4% for the PSOE.
In light of the CIS's performance, the PP's José Antonio Bermúdez de Castro has characterized the institution as having been turned into a tool of the PSOE's Federal Committee.
He criticized the ruling party for what he described as an assault on democratic institutions.
The discourse around the PP’s proposal drew mixed reactions, with many acknowledging the need for reforming the CIS but critiquing the PP's approach.
The Basque Nationalist Party (PNV), which could have allied with the PP, expressed concerns about linking the CIS to Parliament, fearing it would lead to further political maneuvering among major parties.
The PSOE's representatives did not endorse reforms, with deputy Javier Rodríguez arguing that the proposed changes contradict constitutional principles and suggesting that the initiative could stigmatize political, trade union, or business engagement.
Despite the initial reservations, Junts ultimately decided to vote in favor of the proposal, contributing to a final tally of 178 votes in favor and 167 against, thus allowing the bill to advance in the legislative process.
The proposal received backing from the People's Party (PP), VOX, Junts, and the regional party UPN, marking a significant shift in parliamentary dynamics.
Junts, despite its critical stance towards the PP, has opted to support the bill while departing from the investiture block of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez.
This unexpected alliance surprised many in the parliamentary chamber, with Junts’ deputy Josep Pagès previously expressing a lack of confidence in the PP’s proposal.
The voting process was briefly interrupted by celebrations from the PP upon hearing the results.
This vote represents the initial hurdle for the PP's legislative proposal, which will now proceed through parliamentary discussions, allowing for amendments from various parties.
The support from Junts indicates potential amendments may be required for the bill’s approval.
The proposed legislation aims to revise the existing regulations governing the CIS.
Key changes include stipulating that the presidency of the CIS can only be held by individuals who are professors in the field of sociology, without political or corporate affiliations.
Additionally, the nomination process would shift from solely the Council of Ministers to requiring that candidates pass a suitability examination conducted by Congress and receive an absolute majority vote.
The reform also proposes the establishment of an advisory board with similar stipulations and seeks to prohibit the publication of electoral polls during election campaigns, which could lead to legal conflicts as private media would retain the right to publish such polls.
Current regulations under the Electoral Regime Law (Loreg) permit survey publications, except during the final six days leading up to elections.
Since José Félix Tezanos assumed presidency of the CIS in mid-2018, the organization has faced significant scrutiny, particularly regarding its electoral forecasts, which have often predicted favorable outcomes for the PSOE and unfavorable results for the PP. In the latest barometer released in April, the CIS estimated electoral support for the PSOE at 32.6%, compared to 26.1% for the PP, contrasting with private polling averages that suggested the PP would lead with 33.8% against 28.4% for the PSOE.
In light of the CIS's performance, the PP's José Antonio Bermúdez de Castro has characterized the institution as having been turned into a tool of the PSOE's Federal Committee.
He criticized the ruling party for what he described as an assault on democratic institutions.
The discourse around the PP’s proposal drew mixed reactions, with many acknowledging the need for reforming the CIS but critiquing the PP's approach.
The Basque Nationalist Party (PNV), which could have allied with the PP, expressed concerns about linking the CIS to Parliament, fearing it would lead to further political maneuvering among major parties.
The PSOE's representatives did not endorse reforms, with deputy Javier Rodríguez arguing that the proposed changes contradict constitutional principles and suggesting that the initiative could stigmatize political, trade union, or business engagement.
Despite the initial reservations, Junts ultimately decided to vote in favor of the proposal, contributing to a final tally of 178 votes in favor and 167 against, thus allowing the bill to advance in the legislative process.
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