Pedro Sánchez Stands Firm on 2026 Budgets, Refuses to Call Elections Amid Uncertainty

This Monday, Pedro Sánchez, the President of the Government of Spain, firmly declared that he will not call for elections even if he fails to secure approval for the General State Budgets for the year 2026. In his first interview on RTVE in nearly a year, Sánchez confirmed his intention to present new budget proposals and expressed optimism about garnering the necessary votes in the Congress of Deputies. Despite potential setbacks, Sánchez emphasized that if the budgets are rejected, he would continue to operate under the extended budgets from 2023, which he maintains are still effective. He explained that these existing budgets support his administration's priorities, such as advancing the social agenda and investing European funds into the economy. Sánchez reflected on his earlier statements from 2018, when he suggested that former Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy should call elections upon failing to pass the budgets. He reassured the public that his current fiscal strategy would allow him to pursue two main objectives: social progress and economic growth through job creation while simultaneously reducing inequality. "I will, of course, offer political formations an agreement, but if those budgets are rejected, it does not mean that the Government will stop maintaining its roadmap or policies that enjoy a parliamentary majority," Sánchez asserted. He characterized the possible rejection of the budgets not as a failure but a potential paralysis that could lead to an unnecessary electoral process under adverse conditions. Additionally, Sánchez addressed the upcoming meeting between Salvador Illa and Carles Puigdemont, asserting that the primary goal is not to swaying Junts for budget support but to continue fostering a dialogue and coexistence policy instigated by the Generalitat. "When one looks forward, it’s apparent that both Catalan society and the entire Spanish society are successfully navigating towards progress," he concluded. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2