Spain’s Pedro Sanchez plays his last cards!
BY: Hana Saada
ALGIERS- The recent local elections in Spain have resulted in a significant defeat for the Spanish Socialist Party, led by Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez. The right-wing People’s Party, led by Alberto Nuñez Feijoo, and the far-right Vox have emerged as the clear winners.
This outcome is undoubtedly a major setback for the left, as they have been soundly beaten, even in their own strongholds. However, the implications of this defeat extend beyond Spain’s borders, potentially impacting the Cherifian kingdom and its expansionist thesis on Western Sahara.
The election results are, in part, a consequence of the mini-crisis that has plagued the Sanchez government since their reversal of position on the Saharawi conflict. By aligning themselves with the autonomy plan presented by the Makhzen regime, which they praised highly, the government’s sudden reversal has caused anger in Algiers. As a result, Algeria has decided to suspend the treaty of peace, friendship, and good neighborliness with Spain.
Furthermore, the leader of the Socialist Party (PSOE), who also serves as the chief executive, has been subjected to intense criticism from various factions of the Spanish political class. This includes members of his own government coalition, as well as the right-wing Popular Party (PP) and the far-right Vox party.
The PP, led by Feijoo Nuñez, has repeatedly challenged Sanchez in parliament, demanding an explanation for Spain’s departure from its traditional stance on the Western Sahara issue. They have also accused him of prioritizing relations with Morocco over Algeria, thereby jeopardizing Spanish imports of Algerian gas.
The far-right Vox party has also been vocal in its opposition to the government’s position on Western Sahara, which has earned them significant support in recent elections.
Following his party’s victory, Alberto Nuñes Feijoo, the leader of the PP, which secured over seven million votes (31.52%), declared that Spain had taken its first steps towards a new political era.
The Makhzen on the verge of losing its ally
The Makhzen is on the brink of losing its ally. In light of this, Pedro Sanchez, who fears a complete defeat, has decided to hold early legislative elections on July 23. This move is aimed at preventing a coalition of opposition parties from forming before the electoral deadlines and reuniting the left around his party.
During a televised address, Pedro Sanchez announced that he had communicated his decision to dissolve parliament and proceed with the calling of general elections, to be held on Sunday, July 23, during the semester of Spain’s presidency of the European Council, which will begin on July 1.
Pedro Sanchez looked serious as he made this announcement from Moncloa Palace, the seat of the Spanish government. “As president of the government and secretary of the socialist party, I assume the results, and I think it is necessary to give an answer and submit our democratic mandate to the popular will,” he added.
The victory of the popular party and Vox during the regional and municipal elections of Sunday needs confirmation during the legislative and presidential elections on July 23. This will confirm the distrust of the Spaniards with regard to the policy followed until then by Madrid.
The potential consequences of Pedro Sanchez’s defeat in the upcoming political race extend beyond his personal career. A loss would pave the way for a government that would abandon Pedro’ support for the Moroccan proposal on Western Sahara and potentially resume normal relations with Algeria. This outcome could prove fatal for Sanchez’s political aspirations and have far-reaching implications for Spain’s foreign policy.
The Makhzen regime, cognizant of this possibility, has taken steps to interfere in the Spanish elections. The regime has been accused of attempting fraud in the elections in Melilla and has called on Spaniards of Moroccan origin to vote for Sanchez’s party, the PSOE, in support of their cause. Such interference is a cause for concern, as it threatens the integrity of the democratic process and undermines the sovereignty of the Spanish people.
