Criticism Mounts Over Spanish Government’s Constitutional Integrity and Approach to Catalonia

Alberto Núñez Feijóo, president of the Popular Party (PP), has accused the PSOE government of hypocrisy regarding Spain’s Constitution, criticizing it for degrading the institutions established since the Constitution’s enactment 47 years ago. Addressing the Congress, Feijóo asserted that the PSOE has gained support from those who wish to undermine constitutional order and specifically accused Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez of being aware of and covering up allegations against Francisco Salazar, a close associate facing serious complaints of sexist and potentially criminal behavior. Feijóo labeled the current period as politically decadent and pledged to work towards a "reconstitutive" government era that respects the Constitution’s upcoming 50th anniversary, emphasizing the role of dialogue, tolerance, and pride in both the Constitution and the Spanish nation. He also acknowledged the constitutional monarchy’s historic defense of democratic order, highlighting King Felipe VI’s role in 1981.

Meanwhile, Rafael Arenas, newly appointed president of Impulso Ciudadano, a major Catalan civic constitutionalist organization, strongly criticized the Spanish government’s nationalist narrative towards Catalonia. Arenas argued that since 2017, many citizens have become demobilized against the independence movement due to a false sense of normalization, while the real problem is the state authority in Catalonia acting unlawfully and undermining democratic principles. He lamented that the current government weakens the very state structures essential for defending democracy and individual rights, complicating efforts in European institutions. Arenas also highlighted ongoing violations of linguistic rights for Spanish speakers in Catalonia, criticizing non-compliance with judicial rulings mandating equal treatment of official languages in education. He noted the continuity of nationalist policies under Salvador Illa’s leadership in the PSC, describing it as unsurprising based on historical alignments.

These critiques underscore concerns that the current Spanish government’s constitutional stance and policies in Catalonia are exacerbating institutional degradation and nationalist tensions, threatening democratic principles and the rule of law.