August 19, 2025 | 07:22 am
By Antonio Campati, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Milan.
Spain’s government under Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez is grappling with mounting scandal and political instability, with the opposition centre-right People’s Party (PP) widening its lead over the ruling party in opinion polls. The PP is polling at around 34 percent versus 27 percent for Sánchez’s PSOE, the Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party, prompting calls for early elections by the opposition.
According to a recent Reuters/Ipsos poll, the PP now holds a clear edge, buoyed by discontent over multiple corruption allegations involving senior PSOE figures. The scandal surrounding Santos Cerdán, the party’s former organising secretary, has intensified scrutiny on Sánchez’s leadership.
A political earthquake followed the resignation in June of Cerdán, who is accused of arranging kickbacks in public contract deals. Sánchez nonetheless rejected calls for his resignation, pledging anti-corruption reforms and announcing an external audit of party finances.
Coalition under strain
The current coalition, forged in November 2023 after a stalled election outcome, relies on agreements with smaller regional parties, including the Catalan separatist Junts, led by Carles Puigdemont. That pact included a controversial amnesty law for Catalan politicians in exchange for Junts’ parliamentary support.
Despite opposition claims that the amnesty undermines judicial integrity, Sánchez defended it as essential to political stability. Demonstrations erupted in Madrid, with protesters accusing him of betraying Spain’s principles.
Sánchez is increasingly portrayed as one of the few remaining centre-left heads of government in the EU. f he is ousted by the PP, which is aligned with broader centre-right coalitions across Europe, it would further cement conservative dominance at the EU level.
Reform push and reputational damage
Sánchez introduced sweeping measures in July 2025 to cleanse party structures – from barring convicted firms from public contracts to enhancing whistleblower protections. Transparency International Spain welcomed oversight measures but noted persistent gaps in ethics and political accountability frameworks.
Despite repeated apologies, polls indicate declining faith in the PSOE’s ethics, and 41 percent of voters say Sánchez should call an election, while nearly 18 percent believe he should resign altogether.
Geopolitical tensions add pressure
The turbulence in Spain’s domestic politics unfolds amid broader geopolitical strains between Europe and the United States. Ongoing trade tensions, sparked by tariffs imposed by the Donald Trump administration in America, continue to cast a shadow over transatlantic economic relations.
Although the previous US administration led by President Joe Biden had sought to ease the causes underlying the current disputes, unresolved tariff conflicts remain a source of friction, complicating economic recovery and cooperation within NATO.
Meanwhile, Europe is navigating crises in the Middle East and Eastern Europe that test political cohesion. The recent escalation in the Palestine-Israel conflict has drawn varied responses across European capitals, with Spain’s government among others striving to balance diplomatic ties and domestic opinion.
Simultaneously, the war in Ukraine continues to demand EU solidarity and military support, stretching resources and political consensus. These geopolitical challenges add another layer of complexity for Sánchez’s government as it seeks to maintain unity at home and credibility abroad.
Looking ahead
Whether Sánchez can hold his coalition together remains uncertain. The government has yet to weather the full political fallout from ongoing investigations, and the opposition continues to press for early elections. With parliamentary support fragile, any defection or loss of confidence from smaller coalition partners could precipitate a vote of no confidence or force Sánchez to call polls.
At the European level, Spain’s political trajectory will be closely watched. The possible shift from a centre-left to a centre-right government would not only reshape domestic policies but also impact Spain’s role in EU decision-making. It could reinforce the growing dominance of centre-right coalitions within the European Parliament and influence the bloc’s approach to economic, social, and foreign policy challenges.
In the meantime, the Spanish government faces the dual challenge of managing internal political upheaval while engaging with complex international issues. Observers suggest that a stable government with clear leadership will be crucial for Spain’s ability to navigate ongoing geopolitical uncertainties and sustain its influence within the EU and the wider global arena.
Originally published under Creative Commons by 360info™.
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