Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez described his meeting with People’s Party (PP) leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo as “cordial” on Monday, but criticized the PP’s proposed policy framework as stating the “obvious,” according to reports from Spanish news outlets.
The criticism centers on the PP’s emphasis on respecting the rule of law within its policy proposals, which Sánchez characterized as a self-evident principle. The exchange occurred during discussions regarding potential legislative priorities for the modern parliamentary term. Feijóo’s PP has been outlining its agenda following recent elections, focusing on issues such as social media access for minors and legal reforms.
The PP has proposed restricting access to social media for individuals under the age of 16, requiring explicit parental consent, according to reporting by Infobae. This proposal reflects a broader concern within the PP regarding the impact of social media on young people. The party, as reported by Libertad Digital, is also focusing on economic policies and governance reforms.
The exchange between Sánchez and Feijóo highlights the ongoing political tensions between the governing Socialist Workers’ Party (PSOE) and the PP, the main opposition party. While both leaders publicly maintain a respectful tone, substantive disagreements remain on key policy issues. The PP has also faced scrutiny over past legislative actions, including the 2013 Housing Law, which the Plataforma de Afectados por la Hipoteca (PAH) – the Platform for People Affected by Mortgages – has deemed “useless, illegal, and a violation of human rights.”
Recent reporting by El Plural has raised questions regarding financial dealings involving Madrid regional president Isabel Díaz Ayuso and a company allegedly favored by her administration, prompting further scrutiny of the PP’s conduct. The details of these allegations remain under investigation.
As of Tuesday, neither Sánchez nor Feijóo have publicly announced any concrete agreements stemming from their meeting, and the PP has not responded to Sánchez’s criticism of its policy framework. Further discussions between the two leaders are expected in the coming weeks as they attempt to navigate the complex political landscape and address pressing national issues.