Pedro Sánchez Balances International Focus and Domestic Turmoil Amid Political Uncertainty

In early January 2026, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez strategically emphasized Spain's role on the international stage while navigating significant domestic political challenges. Sánchez made headlines by missing the traditional Pascua Militar ceremony for the first time, due to a critical international meeting in Paris with EU leaders. This meeting addressed global security concerns, including a potential threat involving Greenland, a NATO territory, and reflected Sánchez's prioritization of international diplomacy amidst his administration’s struggles at home.

Sánchez has scheduled meetings with various parliamentary groups to discuss Spain's future involvement following the anticipated end of the war in Ukraine. He reiterated Spain’s commitment to supporting Ukraine’s accession to the EU and expressed optimism that 2026 could mark the conflict's resolution. The government is also considering deploying Spanish troops as peacekeepers in Ukraine, a move that involves complex negotiations, particularly with Russia.

Domestically, the government resumed its political activity with the first Council of Ministers meeting of the year. The agenda reflects ongoing difficulties: reforms to the contentious 'mordaza' law remain stalled over a year after initial agreements, while the Ministry of Labor is engaging unions and employers in talks over a minimum wage increase for 2026, with possible raises between 3.1% and 4.7% depending on tax scenarios. Transparency efforts continue, as the Ministry of Interior registered over 12,600 transparency requests last year.

Sánchez’s coalition government remains fragile, grappling with electoral setbacks for the PSOE, corruption scandals involving associates, and increasing influence from Basque and Catalan nationalist parties, including ERC, whose leader Oriol Junqueras is set to meet with Sánchez to discuss Catalonia's financing. The opposition, notably the PP under Alberto Núñez Feijóo, capitalizes on the Venezuelan issue to challenge the government, while public opinion remains divided on US interventions in Latin America.

The Prime Minister has criticized former US President Donald Trump’s policies publicly, contrasting them with his own approach as Spain seeks to define its international position amid global crises. Overall, Sánchez’s absence from customary domestic political rituals and his focus on international engagement signal an effort to reinforce his administration’s legitimacy against a backdrop of political instability and upcoming general elections.