Sánchez Orders Non-Legislative Social Measures for 2026

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.