Sánchez and Feijóo Clash Over Democracy and Justice in Spanish Congress
A new intense debate erupted in the Spanish Congress of Deputies between Government President Pedro Sánchez and opposition leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo. During a government control session this Wednesday, Feijóo accused Sánchez of being a threat to democracy and of undermining the separation of powers, pinpointing the controversial prosecution of Attorney General Álvaro García Ortiz for an alleged crime of revealing secrets. Feijóo asserted that Sánchez had not responded to inquiries for 43 days, describing him as ensconced in 'the bunker of autocrats.' He emphasized that the situation surrounding the Attorney General was unprecedented in Spain's democratic history, stating, 'One cannot prosecute someone for crimes they have allegedly committed. You must dismiss him.'
In his rebuttal, Sánchez expressed his unwavering support for García Ortiz, declaring, 'Between prosecutors who pursue criminals and criminals, I will always stand with the prosecutors.' He took the opportunity to reflect on his government's achievements in various domains, including employment rates, school dropout statistics, pensions, and the state of democracy. Sánchez remarked, 'What Spain deserves is a president who governs, not someone who sulks for four years without accepting reality.'
Feijóo further criticized the Sánchez administration, referencing recent controversies that have reportedly encircled the government. He noted the UCO raid at one of Sánchez's top official's houses, the European Commission's criticisms regarding self-amnesty, and a ruling from the TSJM that upheld the PP's appeal, compelling Sánchez to clarify his potential involvement in a conflict of interest concerning the Air Europa bailout. Feijóo accused Sánchez of endangering democracy and weakening judicial independence, stating, 'You cannot control Justice, and that is why you want to destroy it. We will return you to the place you should never have left.'
To conclude the session, Sánchez argued that Feijóo was projecting his behavior onto others, a concept known in psychology as mirror action. He criticized Feijóo for discussing corruption while he led the PP under the shadow of scandals, asserting that Feijóo's focus on issues of democracy is a distortion of truth. Furthermore, he called Feijóo's meeting with local leader Mr. Mazón a disrespect to the victims of recent tragedies, underscoring the psychological and political tensions boiling over in Spain's legislative arena.
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