Spanish Congress Lowers Requirements for Parliamentary Groups

The Spanish Congress has approved a reform to lower the requirements for forming parliamentary groups, reducing the necessary vote share in constituencies from 15% to 10% and nationwide from 5% to 3%. The reform was backed by PSOE, Sumar, and nationalist parties, while PP, Vox, and UPN voted against. Source: abces, infobae

What changed

• Previously: 15 deputies or 5 seats with 15% of votes in constituencies or 5% nationwide.
• Now: 5 seats with 10% in constituencies or 3% nationwide. Source: abces

Reactions

PP's Pedro Navarro called the reform a "political payment" and accused the government of "fabricating artificial groups." Source: infobae Vox's Carlos Flores said the reduction was "ridiculous" and proof that "the legislature has ended," questioning whether it was a "farewell gift" or "advance payment" for future support. Source: abces Nationalist parties defended the change as protecting pluralism. ERC's Inés Granollers asked if the chamber should be "for all voices" or only for "some to decide who has the right to be heard." Source: infobae PSOE's María Adrio argued the reform corrects "rigidity" in the rules. Source: infobae

Context

This is the third reglamento reform this legislature, following changes for co-official languages and inclusive language. Source: abces