Feijóo Labels Sánchez as a 'Zombie President' Amid Calls for National Debate
Alberto Núñez Feijóo, the leader of Spain's People’s Party (PP), criticized Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez on Monday, referring to him as a 'zombie president' and urging him to initiate a debate on the state of the nation to highlight the isolation of his government. Feijóo made these comments during a speech at the National Executive Committee meeting, which took place at the party's headquarters in Genoa. He noted that Sánchez, in nearly seven years in office, has participated in only one such debate.
In a plea for democratic accountability, Feijóo called on the Prime Minister to present his defense strategy to Congress if one exists, and to submit the general state budgets to the Lower House, as mandated by his constitutional responsibilities. Feijóo's remarks came at a pivotal moment for the PP, which is currently facing numerous challenges, including the future of Carlos Mazón as president of the Valencia Community and the party's parliamentary strategies in coalition with Junts against Sánchez's government.
The committee meeting attracted notable figures such as Isabel Díaz Ayuso, the President of the Community of Madrid, and Jorge Azcón, the President of Aragón, among others. This meeting took place just two days prior to Sánchez's expected address in Congress about his government's stance and plans for increased defense spending.
Feijóo expressed concerns regarding the possibility of Sánchez attempting to implement defense spending increases without congressional approval, stating, 'While Spain requires a defense plan, it is essential to uphold our democracy. The defense plan cannot override our democratic rights.' He emphasized that no justification exists for undermining citizens' rights and freedoms.
The PP leader accused Sánchez of striving to dominate state institutions, private companies, and media outlets, claiming he aims to wield executive power for his own benefit while manipulating legislative processes. Feijóo firmly asserted that if Sánchez lacks direction or clarity in his intentions, he will struggle to persuade the populace as the nation prepares for an inevitable vote.
'We will soon find ourselves at the polls, even if he is afraid of the Spaniards’ freedom and seeks to evade democracy,’ he declared resolutely, emphasizing the PP's position as Spain's leading political party and its commitment to safeguarding democratic principles.
Furthermore, Feijóo contended that the PP has become the primary target for attacks from all sides of the political spectrum, alleging that the far-right party Vox has criticized them more frequently than the Sánchez government itself.
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