Quick Summary
- 1Spanish politics in 2026 finds its rhythm not in parliament, but in the courtroom.
- 2The judicial calendar is dictating the agenda for both the ruling PSOE and the opposition PP.
- 3The opposition, led by the PP, is focusing heavily on judicial cases involving former government officials and PSOE members, specifically José Luis Ábalos and Santos Cerdán.
- 4Meanwhile, the executive branch under Pedro Sánchez is engaged in a defensive posture against a continuous stream of scandals.
Quick Summary
Spanish politics in 2026 finds its rhythm not in parliament, but in the courtroom. The judicial calendar is dictating the agenda for both the ruling PSOE and the opposition PP. The opposition, led by the PP, is focusing heavily on judicial cases involving former government officials and PSOE members, specifically José Luis Ábalos and Santos Cerdán.
Meanwhile, the executive branch under Pedro Sánchez is engaged in a defensive posture against a continuous stream of scandals. This environment prevents the government from establishing an alternative political narrative. The situation extends beyond national figures, with the Audiencia de Badajoz also preparing to try the brother of the government president. The government is attempting to withstand the barrage of legal cases affecting the socialist party, marking a year where judicial proceedings overshadow political debate.
Judicialization of Politics
Spanish politics has entered an imparable proceso de judicialización (unstoppable judicialization process). In this environment, political actors find it impossible to set their own timelines. The courts have effectively taken control of the political rhythm, leaving parties to react to legal developments rather than driving their own legislative or policy agendas.
The opposition, specifically the Partido Popular (PP), has fully embraced this dynamic. They have centered their strategy on the legal causes that implicate former government officials and members of the PSOE. This approach shifts the political battleground from electoral campaigns to courtrooms.
Opposition Focus on Figures
The PP is directing its attention toward specific legal cases involving high-profile former officials. The source highlights José Luis Ábalos as a key figure in these judicial battles. Additionally, Santos Cerdán is mentioned as being implicated in the causes that the opposition is leveraging against the current administration.
By focusing on these individuals, the opposition aims to keep the spotlight on alleged wrongdoings from previous terms. This strategy serves to undermine the current government's credibility while the courts process the cases.
Government on the Defensive
The executive government, led by Pedro Sánchez, is currently unable to set an alternative agenda. It is described as treating the ongoing situation by trying to defend itself against a continuo goteo de escándalos (continuous trickle of scandals). This constant flow of issues prevents the government from focusing public attention on its own initiatives or policy successes.
Furthermore, the judicial reach extends to the personal circle of the head of government. The Audiencia de Badajoz is set to seat the brother of the government president in the defendant's box. This development adds to the pressure on the executive as it attempts to maintain stability amidst the various legal proceedings affecting the socialist party.
Outlook for 2026
As the year progresses, the interplay between the judiciary and the legislature will remain the defining feature of Spanish governance. The PSOE faces the challenge of managing a government while its members face legal scrutiny. The PP continues to bet on the judicial route to advance its political standing.
With the courts scheduling trials for figures like Ábalos and the brother of the president, the political calendar is effectively held hostage by legal dates. The ability for any party to pivot to substantive political debate remains limited as long as the judicial system continues to process these high-stakes cases.
Frequently Asked Questions
The key figures mentioned are José Luis Ábalos, Santos Cerdán, and the brother of government president Pedro Sánchez.
The political agenda is being dictated by the courts, making it impossible for parties to set their own timelines or focus on alternative agendas.
