From The Rio Times · Arkady Petrov · · 2m
How Spain Got Here: Pedro Sánchez's Eight Years in Power
Pedro Sánchez's eight-year rule in Spain faces a vote on 29 November after his party came second in 2023.
In brief
Pedro Sánchez's eight-year rule in Spain faces a vote on 29 November after his party came second in 2023. Spain votes on 29 November to end Pedro Sánchez's eight years in power after his party came second in the 2023 election. Originally reported by The Rio Times.
Spain's 2023 Election
Sánchez's party came second in July 2023 with 121 seats.
How Sánchez Stayed in Power
He kept power with separatist votes after promising amnesty to Catalan independence leaders.
The Amnesty Law
Sánchez ruled out amnesty in November 2022 but backed it on 28 October 2023 to avoid a Vox government.
Court Cases Around Sánchez
His former transport minister got 24 years in prison; his wife faces trial and brother is appealing.
The 2023 Election Results
The PP won 137 seats, Socialists 121, Vox 33, and Sumar 31 in the July 2023 vote.
Sánchez's Re-election
Congress re-elected Sánchez on 16 November 2023 by 179 votes to 171.
The Amnesty Law's Impact
The law covers acts linked to Catalan independence between 2011 and 2023.
Court Rulings on the Amnesty
The Constitutional Court upheld the amnesty in June 2025 but the Supreme Court has not applied it to Puigdemont.
Sánchez's Political Crisis
Critics say Sánchez is politically responsible for court cases around him despite no direct charges.
The 2026 Election
Spain votes on 29 November 2026 to end Sánchez's eight years in power.
Prediction Markets
Prediction markets show Alberto Núñez Feijóo has an 81.5% chance of becoming prime minister.
Sánchez's Party Challenges
The Socialist party faces investigations into finances and corruption allegations.
The Court Cases
José Luis Ábalos was sentenced to 24 years and 3 months for corruption.
Sánchez's Family Cases
His wife faces a jury trial and brother is appealing a conviction for administrative malfeasance.
The Supreme Court Ruling
The Supreme Court confirmed the lifting of the arrest warrant for Puigdemont on 19 October 2026.
What Happens Next
The new Congress meets on 23 December 2026 if Sánchez loses the vote on 29 November.
The main idea
Spain votes on 29 November to end Pedro Sánchez's eight years in power after his party came second in the 2023 election.
