Global Courant 2023-05-31 21:24:35
OVIEDO, Spain
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez warned on Wednesday that a government of far-right politicians could soon rule Spain.
Speaking publicly for the first time since he called for early general elections on Monday, Sanchez said Spaniards have a chance to choose between the status quo or the far-right when voting in late July.
Spain’s right wing, which won Sunday’s local and regional elections, said it wanted to halt investments in renewable energy, destroy the environment, reverse social progress and reduce worker protection.
“The far right has won and we need explanation because Spain is facing enormous challenges. We need to clarify whether the Spaniards want to destroy their rights; If they want a social democratic party or a duo of far-right parties that replicates the methods we’ve seen in Washington, Budapest or Brazil,” Sanchez said.
At a time when Spain is on the verge of assuming the rotating presidency of the Council of Europe in July, Sanchez argues that the right wing needs strong mandate to stop “spoiling Spain’s image and fighting against our interests”.
In Sunday’s election, the mainstream People’s Party garnered the most votes, but many cities and regions will need the support of the far-right party Vox to form a government. It is not yet clear whether Vox will seek coalition governments or support the People’s Party.
Far-right European leaders, including Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, congratulated Vox on his performance.
In his speech, Sanchez warned that Spain is not immune to the strengthening “reactionary tide” across Europe. But he presented himself as the leader who would make sure Spain “go forward, not backward” for the next four years.
Meanwhile, People’s Party leader Albero Nunez Feijoo on Wednesday promised to leave separatist politics behind and said he would not engage in “arguments that have nothing to do with citizens’ problems”.
“You can find me making recommendations, presenting a program for government, and working for social, economic and institutional improvement.”
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