Sumar Allies with PP to Enhance Congressional Oversight on Military Deployments
Sumar has distanced itself from PSOE by supporting the PP's proposal regarding the process for sending arms to Ukraine. This recent parliamentary consultation is aimed at mandating the Government to seek Congressional approval before sending military equipment abroad. The PP had previously introduced this reform in the Senate, where it holds an absolute majority, and it was considered last September with the abstention of Sumar's coalition partners. The proposal has now reached Congress, although the deadline for amendments remains open, meaning that formal processing has not yet commenced.
During the plenary session on Tuesday, the PP received votes of support from Vox, UPN, and Podemos, while PSOE and its allied parties ERC, PNV, Junts, and Bildu opposed it. Sumar, along with BNG and CC, chose to abstain, allowing the PP's initiative to advance. Notably, former socialist minister José Luis Ábalos also abstained in this matter.
Íñigo Errejón, Sumar's parliamentary spokesman, articulated his party's reasoning for abstaining from the PP's proposal. He argued that it reflects a commendable approach for the Government to be more accountable to Congress regarding military deployments. "Being on the left also means that the Government must appear with more rigor and more frequently," Errejón stated, suggesting that this would improve democratic health and transparency. He emphasized the importance of having Congressional control over military actions, particularly regarding timelines and conditions for troop deployments.
Errejón's comments highlight a strategic distinction between Sumar's legislative role and its relationship with the PP, indicating that their support for the PP's initiative on military oversight should not be conflated with partisan motives. This episode underscores the complex interplay of politics in the Spanish Parliament, as parties navigate their alliances and legislative responsibilities amidst ongoing discussions about military involvement abroad.
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