Two years ago, Spanish politics was rocked by scandal when the Partido Popular (PP) loudly demanded a ban on pro-independence parties, including Junts. At the time, it seemed the bridges with Catalan nationalists were burned for good. But today, 730 days later, the landscape is unrecognizable. PP leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo now speaks openly about a ‘respectful and ongoing’ dialogue with Junts in parliament, ushering in a new era in Spain’s political scene where former opponents are seeking common ground.
This shift didn’t happen overnight. After mass protests against the amnesty for participants of the Catalan procés and attempts to tighten legislation, the PP gradually softened its rhetoric. Behind the scenes in parliament, representatives from both parties increasingly found common ground, especially on issues like the economy and migration. As a result, previous threats of bans have given way to pragmatic cooperation.
A change in strategy
Recall January 2024: at the time, PP spokesman Miguel Tellado stood at the podium to announce a bill that would forever bar pro-independence parties from politics. It was a response to deals between the Socialists and Junts, which allowed Pedro Sánchez to remain in power. But much has changed since then. The PP won elections in Extremadura, and Junts broke off relations with the government, opening the door to renewed dialogue.
In recent months, the PP and Junts have repeatedly voted together, blocking key government initiatives. For example, alongside Vox, they halted the law on the distribution of underage migrants and refused to support the restriction of short-term housing rentals. Even the creation of the Health Agency and the reduction of the working week failed to gain their approval. This is not just a coincidence — it represents a new political reality.
Political alignment amid change
Feijóo makes no secret of his party’s support for an ‘open and honest’ dialogue with Junts. He emphasizes that, unlike the Socialists, he has never promised them anything in return. According to him, the PP owes Junts no political debts, whereas Sánchez owes his premiership to them. This stance allows the PP to distance itself from accusations of backroom deals, while still using Junts’ support to put pressure on the government.
The rapprochement with Junts became especially evident after Carles Puigdemont’s party began voting against key government initiatives. Issues like the economy and migration became common ground where the PP and Junts acted together. This is not a classic alliance, but nor is it the rivalry it once was.
The role of Vox and new alliances
In this new political landscape, Vox cannot be overlooked. After the elections in Extremadura, the Partido Popular once again found itself in a situation where it cannot govern without support from the far-right. Feijóo admits that stable regional governance requires either permanent or situational agreements with Vox. At the same time, the PP openly signals its willingness to cooperate, believing that fears of an alliance with the far right are a thing of the past.
However, relations with Vox have not always been smooth. In July 2024, the far-right party unexpectedly walked out of coalition governments in several regions, which the Partido Popular believes ultimately played to its advantage. Now Feijóo’s party is confident: Vox’s return to executive power is only a matter of time and political necessity.
The Catalan factor
The Catalan question remains one of the most contentious issues in Spanish politics. After failed attempts to reach an agreement with Junts in the summer of 2023, the Partido Popular opted for a public confrontation. But by the end of the year, the rhetoric had softened, and behind closed doors in parliament, negotiations began for possible compromises. At one point, even conditional pardons for those involved in the Catalan process were discussed in exchange for ‘reconciliation’ in the region.
Today, the Partido Popular and Junts not only block government initiatives but also advance their own proposals. For example, in September last year, the PP and Vox supported a Junts initiative to restrict parental rights for seasonal migrants. This is further proof that the political lines in Spain are becoming increasingly blurred.
The future of alliances
In November, Feijóo appealed to Catalan business leaders to influence Junts and support a vote of no confidence against the government. The response was sharp: “Catalan businessmen need apologies, not help.” Despite this, the PP leader continues to seek rapprochement with Junts, believing that Sánchez’s government is on borrowed time due to legal troubles.
María Guardiola’s victory in Extremadura and the Socialists’ defeat have given the PP cause for optimism. Feijóo is confident that most residents in the region support the coalition with Vox, and that the Socialists are no longer a significant force. Coalition talks are temporarily on hold due to the holidays, but the PP has no doubts about their eventual success.
The gradual normalization of relations with the far right and Catalan nationalists is a development that until recently seemed impossible. Yet Spanish politics is full of surprises: former enemies become temporary allies, and old slogans fade into history.
As RUSSPAIN.COM previously reported, a new political alliance is looming in Extremadura. Feijóo emphasized that most residents support the PP-Vox partnership. Negotiations between the parties are expected to be challenging, and we have already covered the details in our article on support for the PP-Vox alliance in Extremadura.
