Events in the Spanish Congress have taken a new turn as representatives of the Basque Nationalist Party (PNV) openly voiced their dissatisfaction with the government’s actions. The reason was the unexpected failure to pass the so-called omnibus decree, which included not only pension increases but also a number of other social measures. For many Spaniards, this decision could mean a delay or even a review of important changes in the country’s social policy.
At the center of attention was Maribel Vaquero, the official PNV spokesperson in Congress. She sharply criticized the government’s working methods, accusing it of ‘political trickery’ and a lack of transparency during negotiations with parliamentary allies. According to Vaquero, such tactics not only undermine trust between parties but also directly harm citizens who are waiting for concrete decisions on pensions, housing, and the protection of vulnerable homeowners.
Sharp statements
Vaquero did not stop at criticism. She stressed that such situations, when important laws and reforms are put to a vote without prior agreement with key allies, should not be repeated. In her view, the government is deliberately taking risks by combining diverse initiatives into a single document and counting on support at the last moment. This approach, according to the PNV, turns parliamentary procedures into a game of chance where citizens’ interests take a back seat.
During the discussion of the Ómnibus decree, another PNV representative, Begoña Sagastizabal, warned against allowing such ‘Russian roulette’ tactics in lawmaking. She reminded that the government has repeatedly ignored the opinions of its partners, leading to the failure of even the most necessary initiatives.
Internal party disagreements
The situation became more complicated after Basque government head Imanol Pradales met with Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez at the La Moncloa residence. Although they discussed several important issues, the PNV recalled that many unresolved points, agreed upon during the formation of the coalition, remain outstanding. Vaquero emphasized that the party expects real progress on fulfilling these agreements in the new parliamentary term.
PNV expressed particular frustration over recent government agreements with other parties. Specifically, this refers to arrangements with ERC concerning Catalonia’s funding and an agreement with Podemos regarding the mass legalization of immigrants. PNV fears that such practices could lead the government to conduct separate talks with Junts while ignoring the interests of other allies.
Negotiations and risks
In the current situation, PNV is striving not to be sidelined from key negotiations. After Junts voted against the omnibus decree together with opposition parties, the government is considering new talks with the Catalan side. PNV insists that all decisions be made collectively, rather than through closed bilateral agreements.
Vaquero openly stated that, with the government’s current approach, reaching consensus is becoming increasingly difficult. She outlined the party’s priority issues: immigration regulation, housing policy, protection of small property owners, as well as reforms in healthcare and security. On these matters, PNV demands not only discussion but also concrete action.
Public reaction
Immigration and housing issues spark heated debate not only among politicians but also within society. Like Junts, PNV advocates for a more comprehensive and coordinated approach to these problems. During the housing debates, Sagastizabal accused the government of merely “patching holes” with temporary measures instead of offering systemic solutions.
PNV’s criticism extends to other areas as well. The party demands that future laws consider the specifics of the Basque police Ertzaintza’s work and that controversial initiatives, such as the repeat offenders law, be discussed with input from all interested parties. PNV opposes purely punitive measures, insisting on the need for a comprehensive approach.
New Challenges
In the coming weeks, all eyes will be on the next plenary session, where one of the most controversial bills backed by Junts is set to be discussed. The issue of repeat offenses may become a new test for the relationship between the government and its allies. PNV has already made its position clear: the party demands that the legislative process take into account not only the interests of individual regions but also nationwide priorities.
As the government continues to rely on bilateral agreements and key allies call for greater transparency and collective discussion, Spain’s political scene is growing increasingly tense. For citizens, this means the fate of major social reforms remains uncertain, and the balance of power in Parliament could shift at any moment.
