Contradictions Emerge in PP's Response to Teresa Ribera's European Commission Appointment
The People's Party (PP) once again finds itself in a maze of contradictions regarding its strategy to confront the government. This time, the focus is on the nomination of Teresa Ribera, the current third vice president of the Spanish government, who has been designated by Ursula Von der Leyen as the de facto number two in Brussels as the Vice President of Competition and Green Transition for the European Commission. If approved by the European Parliament, this role will represent the most significant portfolio ever held by a Spaniard in Brussels.
Following her nomination, sources from Moncloa were quick to emphasize that Von der Leyen, a member of the European People's Party, has entrusted the Spanish socialist with this prominent position, suggesting a failure on the part of the PP, led by Alberto Núñez Feijóo, to secure a less significant role for Ribera.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez took to social media to express his pride, stating, "Your determination and leadership in the Government of Spain have become an example for all. Now, you will be able to defend those same values from the heart of Europe." Government spokesperson Pilar Alegría echoed this sentiment, highlighting Spain's unprecedented representation at such a high level in Europe.
However, the reception of this appointment has been rocky for the PP. Miguel Tellado, the parliamentary spokesperson for the party, was among the first to respond, labeling Ribera a poor choice for the European commission. He stated, "No member of Sánchez's government seems suitable to assume a portfolio of this type, least of all Ribera," though he also noted that the PP would not block her appointment, unlike the PSOE's actions against former PP minister Arias Cañete in 2014.
Despite this, a later statement from the party clarified that they would indeed vote against Ribera's election as European commissioner, attributing Tellado's earlier comments to a communication error. The process, however, is far from over; Ribera must still pass through the Committee on Legal Affairs (JURI) to ensure no conflicts of interest arise from her husband's position at the CNMV and subsequently gain the support of two-thirds of the Parliamentary Committee.
Internal divisions within the PP have begun to surface, with some members expressing concerns about trying to block Ribera's appointment. Notably, Juanma Moreno, the president of the Junta de Andalucía, publicly congratulated Ribera, suggesting a more collaborative approach could be beneficial. Additionally, other party leaders seem willing to engage in dialogue with the Sánchez government over regional financing, despite prior commitments made to Feijóo resisting such moves.
The dissonance within the PP reflects a broader struggle within the party as it grapples with its identity and strategy moving forward. As key figures in the party debate the best way to respond to Ribera's significant appointment, it remains to be seen whether they can unify their stance or if further contradictions will emerge in the near future.
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