Junts has demanded Pedro Sánchez's resignation while supporting a confidence motion. The party's unpredictable strategy is reshaping alliances in Congress. Tensions rise as calls for new leadership intensify.
Junts has intensified pressure on Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, demanding his resignation and proposing that Parliament select a new candidate, even as the party continues to support certain opposition motions. This approach, marked by abrupt shifts in parliamentary tactics, has unsettled the balance of power in Congress and raised questions about the stability of the current legislature.
During a recent session, Junts called for Sánchez to step aside, arguing that the current government is no longer capable of fulfilling commitments to Catalonia. Despite this, the party chose not to participate in the debate on a confidence motion initiated by the Partido Popular (PP) against Sánchez, but ultimately voted in favor of it. Junts leaders insist that voting the same way as PP and Vox does not mean aligning with them, emphasizing their independence from any political bloc.
The party's spokesperson in Congress, Miriam Nogueras, outlined a strategy that has been in place since Junts broke with the government and the progressive investiture majority last autumn. According to party sources, Junts considers itself free from previous agreements with Sánchez, citing unmet commitments. Since then, the party has repeatedly called for a confidence vote, demanded early elections, and, most recently, urged Sánchez to make way for a new leader—potentially even an independent candidate, as allowed by the Constitution.
Junts has labeled its approach the 'Starmer route,' referencing the recent resignation of the UK prime minister following local election losses and internal party criticism. However, Junts has not set a timeline for Sánchez's departure, stating that their proposal is intended to prevent the rise of the far right and to complete the unfinished business of the current legislature.
In the same session, Junts abstained from debating a PP motion criticizing the government's situation and calling for a confidence vote. Party sources explained that, after a lengthy day of debate, all relevant points had already been made. Despite not speaking, Junts indicated it could support the motion, which contains strong criticism of Sánchez's leadership and alleged threats to democratic checks and balances.
Junts maintains that its voting decisions are consistent with its refusal to back a no-confidence motion from PP and Vox, which could also result in Sánchez's removal. Party leaders argue that their proposal avoids triggering elections, prevents a right-wing government with far-right participation, and allows for a progressive successor to fulfill outstanding agreements from the investiture pact.
For context, Junts' unpredictable stance comes at a time of heightened political tension in Spain. The party's seven seats in Congress can be decisive in close votes, especially as the governing coalition faces challenges from both the opposition and internal dissent. The Spanish Constitution permits Parliament to select a new prime minister without holding new elections if the incumbent steps down and a majority supports an alternative candidate. This mechanism has rarely been used in recent decades, making Junts' proposal particularly notable in the current climate.
