After a year of legislature, and with the very significant (and narrow) exception of the amnesty, the Executive carried out an important vote at the Congress of Deputies. To do this, their honors have worked overtime (to the indignation of Aitor Esteban), all kinds of juggling and settlement agreements – those which, after all, make up the arduous task of governing – and some resignations. Pedro Sánchez’s executive thus saves a crucial match point and, in this way, billions of euros in revenue and 7.2 billion euros of the fifth disbursement of European funds.
The history of this small victory in parliament, however, leaves a series of lessons for the Government: any pact will require sweat and blood, and there are many interlocutors with conflicting interests to satisfy. This is how the remaining three years of the legislature look like, if until then the Executive manages to withstand this fast pace. The next ballot, the approval of the State General Budgets, is already around the corner.
Ecopostureo and a sad farewell to dinosaurs
Yesterday the hearing of the trial in which Iberdrola accused Repsol ecoposture. The choice of the Cantabrian capital is due to the fact that the Repsol electricity and gas marketing company is based there, although it could be due to its status as a noble city (summer residence of the royals for years) and somewhat dedicated to poses . . At the hearing the oil company presented itself as a “leader in the energy transition”, while the electricity company considers this position incompatible with oil. Moeve (formerly Cepsa) doesn’t have this problem, because in its latest advertisement it has already said goodbye to dinosaurs.
A religiously united five-star hotel
The fever of five-star hotels in the center of Madrid shows no signs of abating. The Pulitzer chain is already preparing its new project, Sor Madrid, whose name is a tribute to the origin of the building in which it is located: the convent of the Recambios de Santa María Magdalena, a “royal house for repentant women” inaugurated in 1623 which, after its abandonment, was the seat of what is now its owner, the UGT union.
The emergence of this new settlement is a good symptom of the general state of affairs in the country: both the clergy and trade unionism – with the devotion that they both share – are in stasis, while tourism boosts the economy. The union will at least be able to collect rent.
The phrase
A referendum on the independence of Catalonia throughout Spain: let’s try, let’s innovate. It would be an innovation, because in history there has never been a process of self-determination in which the rest of the nation that is not interested voted, but let’s do it
Gabriel Rufián, ERC spokesperson in Congress
The young man who has no one to write to him
According to Save the Children, 60% of Spanish teenagers use social networks to inform themselves, at the same level as television, and double what they inform themselves through the written press. This is problematic, as networks are a perfect breeding ground for lies. More, even, than some self-proclaimed media. This trend worries teachers, who report that when they disprove hoaxes, students “reaffirm themselves.” It doesn’t help, however, that the media focuses more on their parents and grandparents than on them. The political class, for its part, is more concerned (and almost exclusively) with the problems of its electoral base, which is not exactly young. Ultimately, like almost everything, it’s a demographic issue.
Interview: Time.news Editor & Political Expert on Recent Legislative Developments
Time.news Editor: Welcome, and thank you for joining us today. It’s been a pivotal moment in Spanish politics with the recent developments in the Congress of Deputies. Could you provide us with a summary of what just transpired?
Political Expert: Absolutely, and thank you for having me. The Executive, under Pedro Sánchez, faced a crucial vote after a year filled with intense negotiations and political maneuvering. Despite significant challenges and some notable resignations, they managed to push through critical legislation, securing billions in revenue, including a 7.2 billion euros fifth disbursement of European funds. It’s a narrow victory, particularly given the contentious discussions around the amnesty, which has been a point of contention for many.
Time.news Editor: It sounds like a classic case of political juggling! Can you explain what “sweat and blood” means in the context of forming these kinds of pacts?
Political Expert: Certainly. The phrase “sweat and blood” alludes to the intense efforts and sacrifices that politicians must make to gather support from various stakeholders. In this instance, it indicates the demanding nature of coalition-building, where satisfying conflicting interests is essential to achieve any legislative goals. The government will face similar challenges in the upcoming years, particularly with the preparation of the State General Budgets, which are on the horizon.
Time.news Editor: Speaking of challenging negotiations, there seems to be an interesting dynamic developing between Iberdrola and Repsol regarding ”ecoposture.” Can you shed some light on this?
Political Expert: Yes, that trial has garnered quite a bit of attention. Iberdrola accuses Repsol of engaging in “ecoposture” – essentially, the act of marketing oneself as environmentally friendly while still being heavily involved in fossil fuels. Iberdrola is positioning itself as a leader in the energy transition, and they argue that Repsol’s oil focus contradicts that narrative. Moreover, the mention of Moeve’s advertisement signifies a growing trend in the industry towards distancing from traditional fossil fuels, emphasizing the need for genuine commitment to sustainability rather than just surface-level marketing.
Time.news Editor: It’s fascinating how these issues intertwine with broader economic and environmental strategies. Shifting gears a bit, there’s also a burgeoning trend in Madrid’s five-star hotel industry. What’s driving this growth?
Political Expert: The luxury hotel market in Madrid is truly booming. The Pulitzer chain’s new project, Sor Madrid, highlights this trend. The hotel is being developed in a historic convent, which adds an intriguing cultural narrative. The ongoing popularity of luxury accommodations can be attributed to a rise in tourism, along with a growing preference for unique, high-end experiences among travelers. This is part of a larger movement in urban development, balancing heritage with modern hospitality needs.
Time.news Editor: Such urban development certainly adds another layer of complexity for the government. As we look ahead, what do you anticipate will be the main challenges for Sánchez’s government in the coming years?
Political Expert: The primary challenge will undoubtedly be managing the diverse array of interests and maintaining stability within a fragmented political landscape. As they approach the State General Budgets, balancing economic growth and addressing social issues will be crucial, especially with potential pushback from various factions. The broader context of economic recovery post-pandemic will also weigh heavily, as will the ongoing debates around climate change and energy policy. It’s going to require strategic negotiation skills and a resilient coalition to navigate these turbulent waters.
Time.news Editor: Thank you for your insights. It seems clear that the government has its work cut out for them. We appreciate you sharing your expertise with us today.
Political Expert: It’s been my pleasure. Thank you for having me!