Feijóo's 16 Laws Blocked in Congress Due to Delays

Since the Popular Party (PP) secured an absolute majority in the Senate following the 2023 general elections, under the leadership of Alberto Núñez Feijóo, the party has successfully passed 22 laws, most of which received support from government partners. However, the majority of these laws  specifically 16  have been left in a legislative limbo, stuck between the Upper and Lower Chambers, where they await final approval. The PP claims that the laws are being “kidnapped” by the Mesa del Congreso, which is predominantly controlled by the PSOE and Sumar. The use of delays is said to prolong their parliamentary life indefinitely. The opposition argues that President Francina Armengol is blocking these laws, forecasting the same fate for six recently approved pieces of legislation.

Alicia García, PP's spokesperson in the Senate, accuses Armengol of blocking policies that would benefit citizens, suggesting that if the laws were unblocked, issues such as illegal occupation, tax reductions, and stronger rule of law could be addressed promptly. She further argues that Armengol's actions are politically motivated, aiming to avoid defeats for the government, especially when it might have to rely on opposition support or abstention.

For instance, two of the first laws passed by the Senate in late 2023 have been delayed over 40 times in the Congress. One of these laws proposes expanding reduced VAT rates to services like hairdressing, barbering, and aesthetics, as well as lowering VAT on diapers. Despite receiving support from multiple political groups, it remains stalled in the Lower Chamber. Another law proposes legal recognition of disability dependency evaluations, also delayed for debate.

Of the 22 initiatives, five are organic laws, which require a reinforced majority in Congress for final approval. The PP highlights these, as they concern constitutional rights. For example, the law on illegal occupation, approved in February 2024, has the backing of the PP, Vox, and UPN, as well as abstentions from other parties, suggesting it might pass if debated. Similarly, a proposal to recognize prison officers as authorities has seen broad support in the Senate.

The opposition also believes that some laws could pass if Armengol did not extend the amendment period. However, they concede that their reform of the Penal Code might fail if voted again, due to insufficient support from the PSOE and smaller left-wing parties. The defense law proposal regarding military aid abroad is also uncertain, with key government partners abstaining.

Despite these setbacks, the PP argues that its legislative approach is more practical and citizen-focused, contrasting it with the partisan agenda of Prime Minister Sánchez, accusing Armengol of prioritizing Sánchez’s interests over those of the Spanish people.