• President Pedro Sánchez has instructed ministers from the PSOE and Sumar coalition to prepare a list of three to four social measures each.
  • These measures are intended for approval in 2026 without needing to pass through the Congress of Deputies.
  • The strategy aims to bypass the government's current parliamentary weakness and the volatility of the investiture bloc.
  • While Sánchez does not consider the legislative term finished, he acknowledges the fragility of the parliamentary situation.

Quick Summary

President Pedro Sánchez has requested that ministers from the coalition government draft proposals for social measures that can be implemented without Congressional approval. The goal is to strengthen the executive's position in 2026 despite current parliamentary fragility.

The directive specifically asks for three to four measures per minister that do not require legislative action. This strategy is intended to bypass the volatility of the current political bloc, allowing the government to maintain momentum. The focus is on disruptive policies clearly linked to the government, independent of the Cortes.

Presidential Directive to Ministers

President Pedro Sánchez has issued a specific instruction to the ministers of the PSOE and Sumar coalition. He has requested that each minister present a list of three or four social measures. These measures must be capable of approval in 2026 without requiring passage through the Congress of Deputies.

This approach is designed to circumvent the current parliamentary weakness of the government. The executive aims to operate independently of the volatility within the investiture bloc. By avoiding legislative hurdles, the government seeks to implement policies directly.

Navigating Parliamentary Weakness

The government is currently navigating a complex political landscape. The investiture bloc is described as fragmented, creating instability. Specifically, Podemos has reportedly been opposing government initiatives for some time.

Furthermore, Junts insists that the agreement which secured Sánchez's presidency was broken in the autumn. Despite these tensions and the resulting parliamentary fragility, the government remains in power. The new strategy aims to govern effectively despite this resquemor (resentment/bitterness) without triggering a government collapse.

Strategy for the 2026 Electoral Cycle

The President has tasked the cabinet with proposing disruptive and clearly identifiable initiatives. The objective is to recapture the political initiative as the 2026 electoral cycle approaches. By implementing measures that do not depend on the Cortes, the government hopes to demonstrate efficacy and visibility.

This strategy allows the executive to bypass the legislative bottleneck. It ensures that the government's actions are distinct and recognizable to the electorate. The focus is on executive action rather than legislative negotiation.

Conclusion

President Sánchez's request for non-legislative social measures represents a tactical shift in governance. It acknowledges the reality of a weakened parliamentary position while seeking a path to continued policy implementation. By empowering ministers to find ways to act without Congress, the administration is attempting to maintain relevance and momentum.

This approach highlights the tension between the executive's desire to govern and the legislative constraints imposed by a fractured majority. The success of these measures will depend on the creativity of the ministers and the legal avenues available for implementation outside of standard legislative processes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What has Pedro Sánchez requested from his ministers?

President Sánchez has requested that each minister present a list of three or four social measures that the executive can approve in 2026 without needing to pass through the Congress of Deputies.

Why is the government seeking measures that bypass Congress?

The government is seeking to bypass Congress due to the current parliamentary weakness and the volatility of the investiture bloc, which includes opposition from parties like Podemos and Junts.

What is the objective of these new measures?

The objective is to recapture the political initiative and implement disruptive, clearly identifiable policies ahead of the 2026 electoral cycle, independent of legislative delays.