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The Spanish Senate has become the epicenter of an unusually high-profile legislative term, characterized by a volume of investigative commissions and a persistent confrontation between the government and the Partido Popular (PP). Since the start of the current legislature, the Senate—under the absolute majority control of the PP—has launched seven investigative commissions, the highest number in the chamber’s history. This activity culminated on October 30, when Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez appeared before a commission, marking a rare and notable moment in the chamber’s history.
An Unprecedented Legislative Atmosphere
The Senate’s current climate is defined by the strategic use of the PP’s absolute majority to set the political agenda and challenge the coalition government of PSOE and Sumar. While the chamber has historically been a secondary legislative body, the current focus is intense. According to personnel within the Senate, including senators and communication staff, the institution has never experienced such a prolonged period of turbulence and media attention.
This dynamic differs significantly from the 2018 legislative period. Although the PP held an absolute majority in the Senate when Sánchez first took office following the motion of no confidence against Mariano Rajoy, that imbalance was short-lived, concluding with a general election. In contrast, the current legislature has seen the PP use its majority to implement structural changes, such as modifying the internal regulations to limit ministerial response times and establishing new pathways to challenge the Congress’s legislative blockages before the Constitutional Court.
Did You Know?
The Spanish Senate has launched seven investigative commissions during this legislature, a record high. The previous peak occurred during the second legislature, which saw only two such commissions.
Investigative Commissions and Legislative Blockades
The PP has utilized investigative commissions as a primary tool to scrutinize the government. Beyond the inquiry into the Koldo case, the Senate is currently investigating the COVID-19 medical supply procurement, the DANA catastrophe, and alleged irregularities at the State Society of Industrial Participation (SEPI). The chamber has also concluded inquiries into a power outage and the Center for Sociological Studies (CIS). In the case of the latter, the PP filed a legal complaint against CIS president José Félix Tezanos, alleging the deliberate manipulation of electoral surveys.
Legislative initiatives have faced a similar stalemate. The PP has promoted 41 proposals, dubbed “Feijóo laws,” which have passed the Senate floor but remain stalled by the Mesa of the Congress, currently controlled by the PSOE and Sumar. These include measures against public tributes to ETA members and regulations regarding the disconnection of utilities for squatters. While the Senate serves as a chamber of second reading, the final authority remains with the Congress, though the PP continues to utilize amendments to exert influence on legislation like the law on multi-recidivism.
Expert Insight:
The current legislative friction highlights a strategic shift in how the Senate operates under a divided government. By leveraging investigative powers and procedural rule changes, the PP has successfully transformed the upper house into a platform for continuous political and legal pressure, effectively forcing the government to engage on its terms despite the subordinate nature of the Senate in the bicameral system.
Future Outlook
The intensity of the Senate’s activity is expected to persist as ongoing judicial processes involving the PSOE continue. The PP has already signaled plans for a new investigative commission targeting RTVE, with potential plans to summon journalists and communicators. Additionally, while the Koldo and SEPI commissions are active, their work is projected to continue throughout the remainder of the legislature. Observers anticipate that the “Feijóo laws” will likely remain in the Congressional “drawer,” though the PP may continue to seek alliances with other groups, such as Junts, to demonstrate legislative consensus within the Senate hemicycle.
Frequently Asked Questions
[How many investigative commissions have been launched in the current Senate term?]
The Senate has launched seven investigative commissions, the highest number in its history, surpassing the previous record of two.
[Has Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez appeared before the Senate recently?]
Yes, the Prime Minister appeared before a commission of inquiry on October 30. He has not, however, attended a standard session of control in the Senate since March 12, 2024.
[What is the status of the “Feijóo laws”?]
The 41 laws promoted by the PP in the Senate have passed the chamber’s floor but remain blocked by the Mesa of the Congress.
How will the ongoing political tension in the Senate shape the remainder of the legislative term?
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