Sánchez Faces Criticism at the Conference of Presidents Amid Calls for Reform
Emiliano García-Page condemns the PSOE-Junts pact and pushes for changes in regional financing and migration policy.
During the Conference of Presidents held on Friday in Barcelona, Castilla-La Mancha's president, Emiliano García-Page, launched a fierce critique of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, particularly targeting the recent agreement between the PSOE and Junts on migration policy, which he deemed "obscene." García-Page announced plans to challenge the government's decree on the distribution of unaccompanied foreign minors in Spain's Constitutional Court.
The conference aimed to address key issues such as housing, immigration, and regional financing.
However, García-Page, the only Socialist baron with an absolute majority, aligned significantly with the opposition People's Party (PP) on these topics, highlighting a growing rift within the ruling coalition.
Sánchez attempted to control the discussion by interrupting García-Page twice during his allocated ten minutes.
Despite these interruptions, García-Page maintained his stance, stating, "I thought I would not be interrupted in this meeting."
On housing, García-Page criticized Sánchez's recently proposed national pact as ill-timed, noting that only five regions—Asturias, Catalonia, the Basque Country, the Canary Islands, and Navarre—expressed support for it.
"There is no real housing policy, only announcements and broken promises," said regional presidents from the PP, further intensifying the push for a coherent strategy in this area.
In relation to migration, García-Page's remarks escalated in intensity.
He condemned the transfer of immigration powers to Catalonia, arguing that it amounted to negotiating with a party he associated with extreme right-wing politics.
He indicated that Spain is facing a humanitarian emergency regarding migration, particularly in the Canary Islands and Ceuta.
Sánchez again tried to interrupt, but García-Page reiterated his support for a relocation plan for unaccompanied minors, while firmly opposing what he termed a mandatory quota imposed by the government.
He reiterated his commitment to challenging the government's recent immigration decree.
The conversation shifted to regional financing, where García-Page expressed strong dissatisfaction.
He called for a political commitment from Sánchez for a new financing model and directly rejected the so-called "Catalan quota," which he argued undermines the constitutional framework of regional financing.
He accused the Sánchez administration of fostering a one-sided financial approach, stating, "The State has benefited more from the increase in revenues than the autonomous communities," and labeling the situation as a "broken puzzle" in Spanish politics.
The conference concluded without a vote on any resolution proposals presented by the autonomous communities, including those from the PP addressing issues such as fiscal autonomy and housing legislation.
The absence of agreements following the conference reflected deepening tensions among the regions and criticism of the central government's capacity to govern.
PP leaders reiterated calls for Sánchez to return power to the citizens by calling for elections, a request Sánchez dismissed, affirming his term until 2027.
Despite attempts to promote a positive atmosphere by the Catalan president, Salvador Illa, discussions were overshadowed by sharp exchanges, illustrating a lack of unity within both the government and the wider political landscape.
The meeting’s outcomes have prompted further scrutiny of Sánchez's leadership and legislative agenda.
The conference aimed to address key issues such as housing, immigration, and regional financing.
However, García-Page, the only Socialist baron with an absolute majority, aligned significantly with the opposition People's Party (PP) on these topics, highlighting a growing rift within the ruling coalition.
Sánchez attempted to control the discussion by interrupting García-Page twice during his allocated ten minutes.
Despite these interruptions, García-Page maintained his stance, stating, "I thought I would not be interrupted in this meeting."
On housing, García-Page criticized Sánchez's recently proposed national pact as ill-timed, noting that only five regions—Asturias, Catalonia, the Basque Country, the Canary Islands, and Navarre—expressed support for it.
"There is no real housing policy, only announcements and broken promises," said regional presidents from the PP, further intensifying the push for a coherent strategy in this area.
In relation to migration, García-Page's remarks escalated in intensity.
He condemned the transfer of immigration powers to Catalonia, arguing that it amounted to negotiating with a party he associated with extreme right-wing politics.
He indicated that Spain is facing a humanitarian emergency regarding migration, particularly in the Canary Islands and Ceuta.
Sánchez again tried to interrupt, but García-Page reiterated his support for a relocation plan for unaccompanied minors, while firmly opposing what he termed a mandatory quota imposed by the government.
He reiterated his commitment to challenging the government's recent immigration decree.
The conversation shifted to regional financing, where García-Page expressed strong dissatisfaction.
He called for a political commitment from Sánchez for a new financing model and directly rejected the so-called "Catalan quota," which he argued undermines the constitutional framework of regional financing.
He accused the Sánchez administration of fostering a one-sided financial approach, stating, "The State has benefited more from the increase in revenues than the autonomous communities," and labeling the situation as a "broken puzzle" in Spanish politics.
The conference concluded without a vote on any resolution proposals presented by the autonomous communities, including those from the PP addressing issues such as fiscal autonomy and housing legislation.
The absence of agreements following the conference reflected deepening tensions among the regions and criticism of the central government's capacity to govern.
PP leaders reiterated calls for Sánchez to return power to the citizens by calling for elections, a request Sánchez dismissed, affirming his term until 2027.
Despite attempts to promote a positive atmosphere by the Catalan president, Salvador Illa, discussions were overshadowed by sharp exchanges, illustrating a lack of unity within both the government and the wider political landscape.
The meeting’s outcomes have prompted further scrutiny of Sánchez's leadership and legislative agenda.
Translation:
Translated by AI
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