Spain's PM floats rolling over budget again due to lack of votes

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez hinted at rolling over the current budget for a second year, citing political fragmentation in the lower house. With difficulty in securing support from diverse coalition allies, he suggested focusing on the 2026 budget instead.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez indicated on Wednesday that his government may opt to roll over the current budget for a second consecutive year and instead focus on crafting a new budget for 2026. This announcement comes as the prospects of passing a 2025 budget in the fragmented lower house of Parliament grow increasingly slim.

Sanchez’s centre-left minority coalition government, which relies on support from several ideologically diverse parties, faces significant hurdles in securing the votes needed to pass crucial legislation. With competing demands from parties such as the hard-left Podemos and the centre-right Junts, achieving a consensus has become an increasingly complex task.

The government had initially pledged to submit a new budget before the end of the first quarter of 2025. However, Sanchez explained that they now wish to ensure full backing from their coalition partners before moving forward with the bill. In the meantime, the government will continue with the 2023 spending plan, effectively rolling over the budget as it did in 2024.

Sanchez, however, did not completely rule out the possibility of submitting a 2025 budget, noting that if time permits, the government would work toward presenting one before the May deadline. His comments came in response to opposition leader Alberto Nunez Feijoo, who criticized the government for operating under an expired budget and called for more clarity on the 2025 budget.

The pressure on Sanchez’s administration has been further compounded by his commitment to increasing defense spending in alignment with EU defense targets—a pledge that has caused divisions within his cabinet. Despite the political challenges, Sanchez reiterated his plan to begin implementing measures to bolster Spain’s defense sector before the summer.

The situation raises significant questions about Spain’s fiscal direction in the coming years. While the government remains committed to securing a deal with its coalition partners, it faces growing criticism from opposition forces, who argue that a delayed budget compromises both governance and defense readiness. As Sanchez grapples with the delicate balance of coalition politics, the outcome of Spain’s budgetary negotiations will have lasting implications for the nation’s fiscal health and political stability.

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