Pedro Sánchez was re-elected President of the Government by an absolute majority (179 votes in favor and 171 against) in a vote without surprises held this Thursday in the Congress of Deputies.
After Francina Armengol proclaimed him president, the socialist and Sumar banks erupted in a loud ovation, accompanied by hugs and congratulations from many representatives, including Yolanda Díaz.
From now on, the focus is on the political leaders and the formation of the new coalition government. For several days, there have been rumors about who will make up the president’s team, how many ministries, who will leave, and who will return.
How many ministries will the new government have?
Currently, the Executive is made up of 22 ministries, the highest number of all governments that have been in Spain in recent years. This decision was heavily criticized by the opposition and public opinion, so probably the President of the Government will reduce the portfolios and combine some ministries.
Who will be part of the hard core, and who will repeat as minister?
One of the big unknowns in recent days, since it is known that Sánchez has the necessary support to repeat as president, is who will be part of the hard core of the president and if he will continue Félix Bolaños, María Jesús Montero, and Pilar Alegría in him.
It is rumored that María Jesús Montero will continue to lead the Treasury portfolio and as deputy general secretary of the PSOE. For his part, Félix Bolaños, who is now Minister of the Presidency, may jump to Justice or also occupy the political vice president position left by Carmen Calvo in 2021. The current Minister of Education, Pilar Alegría, may change the portfolio, although it is not known who she will occupy.
Another of Sánchez’s strong pieces is Teresa Ribera, currently the third vice president and minister for Ecological Transition, who is rumored to continue to lead the portfolio, as she has become important for the president.
What are the big unknowns?
- Nadia Calviño, the first vice president of the government, chose to head the EIB, a position that does not correspond to the portfolio of the economy, so it is rumored that Sánchez can trust him again; even if he is finally elected, he will have to resign from the position of minister.
- José Luis Escrivá: It is not known whether it will continue or not.
- Isabel Rodríguez: According to rumors, she may continue as a minister, although it is not known whether she will continue as a spokesperson for the government.
- José Manuel Albares: some rumors indicate that he can continue to lead Foreign Affairs, and others indicate that he can continue to lead Defense.
- Margarita Robles: I don’t know if it will continue.
- Fernando Grande-Marlaska: it is also unknown, although some rumors suggest that Óscar López or Antonio Hernando could replace him if he does not continue.
- Luis Planas: Rumors indicate that his management of agriculture is liked, but others point to a “political retirement.”
- Héctor Gómez (Industry) and José Miñones (Health): they are also big unknowns, especially Miñones, because some sources suggest that the Health portfolio will go to Sumar.
- Miquel Iceta (culture) and Raquel Sánchez (transportation): it is not known what their future will be if they return or transfer.
- Ximo Puig: Some rumors suggest that the former president of the Generalitat Valenciana has a portfolio in the new government.
Sumar’s ministries
Currently, the party has five ministries and a second vice president in the hands of Yolanda Díaz. According to the latest rumors, the Minister of Labor will also repeat two positions (he himself said that he will meet with social agents to address the new increase in the minimum wage).
In addition, in the first meeting between the leaders of the two formations, three or four portfolios were discussed (considering the intention of Sánchez to reduce the number of ministries, something that also affects the formation of Díaz).
The names of Nacho Álvarez (culture), Ernest Urtasun (industry), and Pablo Bustinduy (sports), and perhaps a new creation called childhood and youth, will be heard. In addition, the pools are also betting on the opposition leader of the Community of Madrid, Mónica García, who may go to Health.
