Tensions rise in the Partido Popular as Alberto Núñez Feijóo faces backlash over recent statements on sick leave and the 'ley de nietos'. Internal divisions highlight uncertainty about the party's opposition strategy ahead of national elections.
Recent weeks have seen growing unease within the Partido Popular (PP) as party leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo comes under fire for a series of public missteps. After a period of confidence following a symbolic vote calling for Pedro Sánchez's resignation, the mood in the party has shifted sharply. Feijóo's comments on sick leave and the 'ley de nietos' have triggered internal criticism and reignited debate over the PP's approach as the main opposition force.
Senior figures in the PP admit that Feijóo's recent interventions have distracted from the party's core strategy: to avoid giving the Sánchez government new battlegrounds while it faces corruption investigations. Some party veterans argue that Feijóo struggles to keep pace with the rapid political environment, citing both a lack of support infrastructure and generational differences. The sense of improvisation has become a recurring concern, with high-ranking members openly questioning the party's current working methods.
The controversy centers on two main issues. First, Feijóo's remarks about sick leave, where he questioned whether workers should receive full pay during medical absences, sparked backlash and forced the party to clarify that he was referring only to fraudulent cases. Second, his criticism of the 'ley de nietos', which grants Spanish nationality to descendants of emigrants, was seen as inconsistent after he later acknowledged support for the law's intent, aligning with previous PP positions. These episodes have exposed communication problems and highlighted ideological tensions within the party.
At the heart of the debate is a split between those advocating a more moderate tone and those pushing to compete with Vox on cultural issues to prevent losing votes on the right. This internal divide has led to seemingly contradictory moves, such as Feijóo simultaneously calling to move past the Catalan 'procés', defending Basque self-government, and criticizing Vox for questioning Spain's autonomous regions, while also appealing to conservative voters with promises like extending Madrid's support for unborn children nationwide.
The sick leave debate, in particular, has caused friction. While the PP had been preparing a plan to address rising absenteeism, Feijóo's public comments in Bilbao went further than intended, describing absenteeism as 'a cancer' and raising concerns about reducing workers' rights. The party leadership quickly clarified his position, but the incident underscored the risks of imprecise messaging. Some in the party believe such debates do not win votes and caution against unnecessary risks, especially when polls still show the PP ahead of the PSOE.
Despite the turmoil, some PP leaders argue that presenting alternatives to government policy is essential, even if it means weathering criticism. Others, however, warn that the party should avoid controversial debates unless they are clearly advantageous. The consensus remains that Feijóo must balance assertiveness with caution, particularly as the party prepares for the next general election.
For context, the 'ley de nietos' has been a contentious issue in Spanish politics, as it affects the rights of descendants of Spanish emigrants to obtain citizenship. The debate over sick leave reflects broader concerns about labor market flexibility and the financial sustainability of Spain's social security system. The PP's internal divisions mirror wider trends in European center-right parties, which often face pressure to respond to both traditional conservative voters and the rise of far-right competitors like Vox. As Spain approaches another election cycle, the PP's ability to present a coherent and disciplined opposition will be closely watched by both supporters and rivals.
