PP Urges Sánchez to Reverse Isolated Automotive Policies Amid EU Disagreement

The Partido Popular criticizes Sánchez's automotive policies, calling for a realistic approach after EU isolation and highlighting the sector's economic importance.

    Key details

  • • PP supports EU's decision to maintain combustion engines, balancing decarbonization with economic realities.
  • • Alberto Nadal criticizes Sánchez's radical policies and EU isolation.
  • • Automotive sector contributes over 11% to Spain's GDP and supports 1.9 million jobs.
  • • PP calls for a revision of national policies to safeguard industrial competitiveness.

The Partido Popular (PP) has strongly criticized Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez's automotive policies, urging a revision after Sánchez found himself isolated within the European Union. The PP supports the European Commission's pragmatic decision to continue allowing internal combustion engines, emphasizing a balanced approach between decarbonization and economic realities. Alberto Nadal, PP's Deputy Secretary for Economy and Sustainable Development, highlighted that Europe's recognition aligns with the PP's call for climate action grounded in technological neutrality and economic viability, avoiding harm to jobs and household incomes.

Nadal condemned the government's radical interventionist policies, linking them to Spain's industrial challenges, including an energy blackout. He emphasized the importance of aligning energy transitions with security, cost considerations, and employment preservation. The automotive sector, which contributes over 11% of Spain's GDP and supports 1.9 million direct and indirect jobs, is at risk under current policies. Nadal insisted that Spain must revise its strategy to protect this vital industry, maintain competitiveness, and attract investment and innovation.

The PP's critique underscores the political and industrial tensions surrounding Spain's approach to environmental goals. Nadal's statement reflects concerns that Sánchez's policies may lead to economic setbacks and isolation within Europe, calling for a pragmatic and realistic pathway to decarbonization that safeguards Spain's economic fabric.

This article was synthesized and translated from native language sources to provide English-speaking readers with local perspectives.