Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has announced plans to hold a series of meetings with representatives of the parties that supported his candidacy for the head of government. These talks are scheduled for the beginning of next year and will serve as a platform to discuss the most pressing issues related to Catalonia and improvements to the country’s democratic institutions.
Leaders of key political forces are expected to participate in the dialogue, including Oriol Junqueras, chairman of Esquerra Republicana de Catalunya (ERC). For Junqueras, this will be his first official meeting with Sánchez following his release from prison, lending particular significance to the event in Spain’s political landscape.
The upcoming negotiations are set to address the implementation of agreements reached between the Socialists and their allies during government formation. Special attention will be given to Catalonia’s funding issues, as well as initiatives aimed at deepening democratic processes and fixing existing shortcomings within state institutions.
Allies’ demands
In recent weeks, the parties backing Sánchez have increased pressure on the government, demanding concrete steps toward fulfilling previously made promises. ERC leader Oriol Junqueras insists that real action, not just words, is needed to put an end to corruption and sexual harassment within government institutions.
Moreover, Junqueras emphasizes the importance of reforming those areas where, in his view, democratic principles have yet to be fully realized. He is demanding a clear plan from the Socialists to modernize institutions and eliminate all forms of pressure and discrimination.
Reaction from other parties
It is not only ERC but also other coalition partners such as the Basque Nationalist Party (PNV) that have expressed dissatisfaction with the pace of change. They are urging the government to accelerate the reform process and fulfill all points of the coalition agreement, especially regarding increased regional autonomy and greater transparency in government operations.
Deputy Prime Minister Yolanda Díaz has also called for a deep overhaul of the government following a string of scandals involving ethics breaches and abuses of power. Her position has resonated with allies, who are demanding immediate change and a renewal of the leadership team.
The Catalan issue
At the center of attention remains the issue of special funding for Catalonia, one of the key points in the agreement between the Socialists and ERC. Representatives of Catalan parties insist on granting the region additional powers and resources, believing this will help build trust between Madrid and Barcelona.
At the same time, the reform debate is not limited to the financial sector, but also touches on issues of democratization at all levels of government. Allies are demanding the introduction of new control and transparency mechanisms to prevent abuse and improve the efficiency of state institutions.
Expectations for the negotiations
The upcoming meetings could mark a turning point for Spain’s entire political system. Their outcomes will determine not only the stability of the ruling coalition, but also the future of relations between the central government and the regions. Public anticipation is growing for concrete decisions that will help overcome existing disagreements and take the country to a new stage of democratic development.
It is still unclear whether the negotiations will bring immediate changes, but the very fact that they are taking place demonstrates the authorities’ willingness for open dialogue and a search for compromise. In the coming weeks, public attention will be focused on the progress of these meetings and the statements made by their participants.
