Pedro Sánchez’s re-election as Secretary General of the Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party (PSOE) at the party’s 41st Federal Congress in Seville has been met with scepticism and widespread criticism. Despite efforts to present the event as a show of strength and unity, many have described it as a lacklustre affair, revealing more about the party’s stagnation than its touted resilience.
In a fawning article, Euractiv says that Sánchez declared “the best is yet to come” while proclaiming his intent to lead Spain into a progressive future. However, critics argue the Congress was devoid of significant announcements or meaningful changes. Instead, it recycled familiar rhetoric and made vague promises. El Debate called the congress a “soporific” event, accusing Sánchez of failing to deliver the much-needed renewal in both the Council of Ministers and the party’s leadership structure.
The supposed highlight of the event was the announcement of a “large public housing company,” a move that Sánchez claims will address Spain’s housing crisis. Yet, as La Razón highlights, the feasibility of this project is questionable. Spain’s housing policy is primarily under the jurisdiction of its regions, which fiercely guard their competencies. Critics argue that Sánchez’s track record of unfulfilled housing promises casts serious doubt on the sincerity and practicality of this latest proposal.
While Sánchez sought to project an image of resilience, his government remains embroiled in controversies. From alleged corruption involving his wife, Begoña Gómez, to the “Koldo case”—which implicates a former minister involved in illegal commissions during the COVID-19 pandemic—the scandals overshadow his tenure. While Sánchez has characterised these investigations as politically motivated attacks from the “international ultra-right,” such dismissals have done little to dispel the perception of a party under siege.
Even within the PSOE, support for Sánchez appears to be waning. According to La Razón, internal votes for the leadership reflected a 5% drop in support compared to three years ago, with many party members reportedly disillusioned by the lack of fresh ideas or personnel changes.
Despite claims of unity, the congress revealed deeper fractures within the PSOE. The cold reception given to Andalusian socialist leader Juan Espadas underscored growing tensions between regional factions. In contrast to Sánchez’s lofty claims about a progressive Spain, the congress’s lack of ambition and its inward focus suggests a party more concerned with self-preservation than addressing the country’s pressing issues.
The tone of the congress also reflected an unrelenting hostility towards opposition parties. Finance minister María Jesús Montero lambasted the Right for its “sexist, xenophobic discourse.” However, many observers note that the PSOE’s attempts to label all opposition as extremist have failed to resonate with voters.
As Sánchez clings to his “resistance” narrative, his government faces mounting challenges. His coalition with Sumar relies on precarious support from regional parties like JxCat, which have shown little willingness to endorse his policies, particularly on contentious issues like Catalonia’s independence. Meanwhile, the centre-right Partido Popular (PP) and the national conservative VOX continue to gain ground, with PP leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo promising to “kick Sánchez out” democratically.
If Sánchez hopes to remain in power until 2027, he will need to do more than rehash empty slogans and questionable promises. His party’s stagnation, judicial scandals, and faltering credibility paint a grim picture of a leader running out of time and ideas. As La Razón bluntly summarised, the congress was “a time to wait”—but for many Spaniards, it may simply be a waiting game until Sánchez’s inevitable exit.
