Political Tensions Mar the 47th Anniversary of the Spanish Constitution
The 47th anniversary of Spain's Constitution was overshadowed by political boycotts and sharp criticisms between government and opposition parties.
- • Vox and nationalist parties boycotted the Constitution's official celebrations for the first time.
- • Pedro Sánchez emphasized the Constitution's role in equality and social justice while defending public healthcare.
- • PP leader Alberto Núñez Feijoo criticized the government as harmful to the Constitution and called for constitutional education.
- • Congress President Francina Armengol urged a return to consensus and constitutional adaptation for territorial diversity.
Key details
The 47th anniversary of the Spanish Constitution on December 6, 2025, was marked by notable political divisions and boycotts during the official celebrations in the Cortes Generales. For the first time, Vox abstained from participating in the traditional flag-raising ceremony, with spokesperson Pepa Millán condemning the government for 'trampling' on national symbols and citizens' rights and accusing Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez of staging a facade of normality at international events. This boycott aligned with the established pattern of nationalist parties such as Junts, ERC, EH Bildu, PNV, and BNG also declining to attend the celebrations.
In contrast, ministers from the Socialist party (PSOE), Sumar, coalition partners, and members of the Popular Party (PP) were present. Prime Minister Sánchez highlighted the Constitution’s role in advancing equality, social justice, and protecting public healthcare, sharply criticizing right-wing and far-right parties for their contradictory claims about an alleged drift towards dictatorship, noting their historical links to Francoism. Sánchez also accused the PP of attempting to privatize public health services, a move he framed as contrary to constitutional guarantees.
Meanwhile, PP leader Alberto Núñez Feijoo rebuked Sánchez’s government as the most damaging to the Constitution in the last 47 years, calling for constitutional education in schools to strengthen awareness and respect for Spain’s foundational law. Congress President Francina Armengol called for renewed constitutional consensus and adaptations to better reflect Spain’s territorial diversity amid ongoing polarization.
The anniversary revealed deeply polarized views about the Constitution’s current status and future, with the Socialist-led government stressing defense against perceived threats, while opposition parties decried what they see as government overreach and constitutional neglect. The day's events underscored ongoing political struggles over Spain’s identity, governance, and constitutional framework.
This article was synthesized and translated from native language sources to provide English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
