Pedro Sánchez revalidates the presidency of the Government without surprises after winning the support of 179 votes, an absolute majority, compared to 171 against PP, Vox and UPN. The socialist candidate was guaranteed the support of Junts as well as ERC after registering the amnesty law in Congress to revalidate the presidency. 1,600 police officers have provided security for the lower house during the two days of the investiture debate.

After the failed attempt of the ‘popular’ Alberto Núñez-Feijóo last September, the socialist Pedro Sánchez has revalidated today the presidency of the Government, four months after elections. It has been by absolute majority with 179 votes in a day without surprises, as he had the support of Sumar (31), ERC (7), Junts (7), Bildu (6), PNV (5), BNG (1) and Coalición Canaria (1), in addition to those of the PSOE (121).

pedro sánchez presidente gobierno

Photos: Congress of Deputies and PSOE.

Today Junts has assured that it would respect the agreements reached and would vote in favour of the investiture, despite the fact that yesterday it threatened the candidate with threats, saying: “Don’t try to tempt fate with us”. A show of force that also featured ERC when it warned Sánchez that he has no alternative to reaching an agreement with the pro-independence movement: “Don’t gamble with it”, they told him.

In their turn to speak, EH Bildu stressed that they “do not sign blank cheques”, while the PNV defended the constitutionality of the law. On the other hand, the BNG stated that it will be vigilant and demanding with regard to the governability pact reached with the PSOE. Finally, Coalición Canaria and UPN were against the law but voted in favour. The second day of the investiture was marked by the absence of the Vox deputies, who did not attend the Chamber of Deputies until the moment of the vote.

The first vote, which took place today, has given Sánchez the investiture and the confidence of the lower house. Now, Francina Armengol, president of the Congress of Deputies, will meet with King Felipe VI to inform him of the result. The Socialist leader is expected to go to La Zarzuela tomorrow, Friday 17 November, to take the oath of office before the King.

Reactions in the Balearic Islands

The employers’ association of small and medium-sized enterprises in Mallorca, PIMEM, has called for the defence of the rule of law and advocates reaching broad consensus to ensure long-term stability, an essential condition for the economy and the business fabric of any state. The Mallorcan employers’ association warns that “any ambiguity or risk of institutional stability could lead to the loss of investment or capital flight with the corresponding consequences of job losses”.