PP seeks to 'turn page' on procés as it aligns with Junts against Sánchez

Alberto Núñez Feijóo's call to 'pasar página' (turn the page) on the Catalan independence process has become a central political flashpoint. While some view it as pragmatic, others see it as a dangerous concession. The PP's strategy of 'lluvia fina' (fine rain) has led to a de facto alliance with Junts in Congress, where together with Vox they passed a non-binding motion urging Pedro Sánchez to resign or face a confidence vote. This alignment contrasts sharply with the PP's previous staunch opposition to amnesty for pro-independence leaders.

The 'lluvia fina' strategy

• The PP has cultivated a parliamentary relationship with Junts throughout the legislature, culminating in the June 25 vote where Junts supported the PP's motion against Sánchez Source: ABC. This marked the first time such a broad coalition demanded the president's resignation.
• El Confidencial reports that the PP is preparing for a 'permanent campaign' from September, expecting early elections by spring 2027 Source: El Confidencial. Feijóo's team believes Sánchez is in his final months.

Criticism of Illa in Catalonia

Meanwhile, in the Catalan parliament, PP and Junts jointly attacked President Salvador Illa for his 'silence' on PSOE corruption cases. Mònica Sales (Junts) accused Illa of 'esconderse' (hiding), while Juan Fernández (PP) called him a 'delegate of Moncloa' Source: La Vanguardia / Infobae. Illa defended himself, saying he 'gives explanations wherever required' and accused the PP of using the same 'style of politics' Source: EFE via Infobae.

'Pasar página' – a moral or strategic shift?

Opinion columns highlight the ambiguity of Feijóo's phrase. El Mundo's columnist argues that 'pasar página' without repentance from the pro-independence side is a 'frivolity', while La Vanguardia's Màrius Carol notes that Sánchez has 'indirectly' made the PP turn the page by pushing through amnesty Source: El Mundo / La Vanguardia. The PP's new openness to Junts marks a major reversal from their earlier condemnation of the amnesty law.