Criticism of the government’s independence policies
The former president of Aragón and current general secretary of the PSOE in that region, Javier Lambán, has issued new criticism against the strategy of Pedro Sánchez’s government in relation to the independence movement. Lambán denounces that measures such as pardons, the elimination of the crime of sedition and the possible amnesty have left the State without tools to confront the independence movement politically and morally.
The impact of the general elections and Sánchez’s politics
During an interview with El Confidencial, Lambán commented that the general elections of July 23 have configured a political map where the color blue predominates in the majority of the Spanish territory, with the exception of Catalonia, the Basque Country and Navarra, along with some others. regions such as Extremadura, parts of the Canary Islands and Seville. In these places, Sánchez’s policy towards independence has been better received.
The role of Salvador Illa and possible alliances
In his speech, Lambán expressed concern about the possibility that Salvador Illa, leader of the PSC, would reach an agreement with ERC to govern in Catalonia. According to Lambán, such a pact would favor the independentists but would be uncomfortable for the socialists at the national level. The scenario is gloomy for the socialists if the pact is fulfilled, according to his vision.
Reasons behind the success of the PSC in Catalonia
Lambán argues that the victory of the socialists in Catalonia is not a direct consequence of Sánchez’s policies towards independence, but rather due to the fatigue of Catalan society and the confidence that Salvador Illa has managed to convey to voters.
Lambán’s vision of the future of the PSOE
The Aragonese socialist leader urges that the PSOE must reflect on the fact that it cannot sacrifice the rest of Spain to maintain control over Catalonia. Lambán points out that if Pedro Sánchez remains in power it is thanks to the errors in the management of pacts by the PP, facilitated by Vox, who have benefited the PSOE.
Unstable and contradictory government
Furthermore, Lambán criticizes that Sánchez’s government is maintained thanks to an unstable and heterogeneous parliamentary majority, which prevents any significant progress. He also noted that the PSOE should not ally itself with populists and extremists, recalling that this was a majority position within the party before 2016, when Pedro Sánchez took over as general secretary and changed the party’s leadership.
Dissent and the nature of the party
Lambán accuses that the Federal Committee of the PSOE has ceased to be a space for internal debate and has become an entity that simply approves the leader’s policies. He criticizes that these characteristics are typical of times of caudillismo. He also points out that the last time he attended a party executive meeting he received applause that he described as ‘forced and cold’.
Call for autonomy within the party
Lambán makes an emphatic call for the need to maintain a voice of its own within the party, stating that a political party should not function as a fan club. He pointed out that the last conversation he had with Pedro Sánchez was by telephone in 2022 and accused that currently any discrepancy is perceived as disloyalty, which goes against democratic principles and the very nature of the party.
Finally, Lambán concluded that the problem of current politics does not lie in judges or journalists, but in the attitude of the politicians themselves, including those from parties such as Podemos, Sumar or Vox.