Feijóo Criticizes Sánchez Government’s Handling of Budgets and Election Timing, Vows to Protect Extremadura’s Interests

Alberto Núñez Feijóo, president of the Partido Popular (PP), directed sharp criticism at Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and the PSOE-led government on November 16, 2025, accusing them of irresponsibility for not finalizing the General State Budgets and delaying elections, which Feijóo insists are inevitable. Speaking in Extremadura, Feijóo highlighted the government’s failure to address pressing economic issues affecting Spaniards living paycheck to paycheck, and reiterated his commitment to promoting policies that improve housing access for young people and support freelancers. He remarked, “The politics that Spain needs is the one that understands those who can't make ends meet.” (ID:146312)

Feijóo also focused on regional concerns, specifically aiming to prevent the closure of the Almaraz nuclear plant, which he described as a critical issue for Extremadura’s future. He condemned the political maneuvering surrounding the plant, particularly criticizing parties like Junts for their abstention, calling it a “betrayal to Extremadura.” The PP leader meanwhile called out the PSOE’s deputies for applauding the plant’s closure in Congress, a move he vowed to oppose whether from opposition or government (ID:146307). Extremadura's regional president, María Guardiola, was praised by Feijóo for her decisive call for early elections and criticized Vox for their lack of constructive participation in regional governance, suggesting they have become part of the problem rather than offering solutions. Guardiola stressed the PP’s dedication to advancing regional solutions against the backdrop of the PSOE’s inactivity and the absence of approved budgets in Extremadura (ID:146307).

Feijóo also took a swipe at Sánchez personally, sarcastically referencing the Prime Minister’s “arrogance” and hinting at the judicial issues involving Sánchez’s brother, suggesting these problems cast a shadow over the PSOE’s campaign. Feijóo accused the PSOE in Extremadura of being a “branch of Sánchez’s irresponsibility,” contrasting their lack of leadership with Guardiola’s stronger regional character (ID:146312, 146307).

The PP’s criticism culminates with calls for early elections to end the political deadlock and address the social and economic challenges facing Spain. Feijóo’s rhetoric paints a government more focused on opposing PP than governing effectively and signals the party’s intent to challenge Sánchez’s leadership as the December 21 elections approach. As politics heats up, Feijóo's focus on regional interests and economic issues positions him as an alternative voice ahead of the polls (ID:146312, 146307).