Socialist Party members greenlight deals to reelect Sánchez as PM

Pedro Sánchez is one step closer to being reelected as Spanish prime minister, as his party members have overwhelmingly backed his deals with other political forces to garner a majority that enables another term for him.

Around 87% of the Socialist Party membership across Spain – 85% of the Catalan Socialist members – accepted repeating a coalition with left-wing Sumar, the party led by acting vice prime minister Yolanda Díaz, after a deal reached in late October.

Voting 'yes' in the internal consultation also included greenlighting any further agreement to gain other supports – thus, this includes, among others, backing the deal with pro-independence Esquerra including an amnesty for anyone facing legal cases for the 2010s independence push.

Both parties sealed the agreement earlier this week, and apart from a future amnesty law, it includes the transfer of Rodalies commuter rail control and the forgiveness of €15 billion of debt – indeed, Esquerra membership also validated the agreement with around 89% of Yes votes.

Work not fully done yet for Sánchez

With these deals now greenlighted by party members, Sánchez has significantly progressed towards the majority of MPs he needs to continue as PM for another stint – yet, the work is not fully done.

The also Catalan pro-independence party Junts, led by former president Carles Puigdemont, now in Brussels exile, is also essential for the math to work out. And so far, no deal has been finalized, although both sides admit they are close. The exact range for the same amnesty law already agreed with Esquerra seems one of the main obstacles for a successful outcome.

As talks are expected to continue in the coming days, time is ticking and a vote to reelect Sánchez in Congress has to be held by November 27 – otherwise, Spain would face a fresh election.