The President of the Government, Pedro Sánchez, conveyed his apologies this Wednesday to Emmanuel Macron for the rejection of the Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation between Spain and France in the Senate. During the joint appearance after their meeting at La Moncloa, Sánchez acknowledged to the French president the negative vote of the Upper House, where the Popular Party holds an absolute majority.
"I can only apologize for yesterday's negative vote on the treaty of friendship between Spain and France in the Senate," Sánchez told Macron. The agreement was rejected this Tuesday with 142 votes against, 106 in favor, and one abstention, with the opposing votes of PP and Vox.
The vote also took place during Macron's state visit to Spain. The French president expressed his conviction, hours after the rejection, that the agreement would eventually go through. "We will achieve it," he affirmed during the toast at the gala dinner offered by the Kings at the Royal Palace.
The treaty, blocked despite the Constitutional Court's endorsement
The Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation was signed by Sánchez and Macron in January 2023, during the bilateral summit held in Barcelona. Its processing was blocked by doubts raised regarding the article that contemplates the participation of members of the respective Governments in meetings linked to the Councils of Ministers of both countries.
The PP brought this issue before the Constitutional Court from the Senate. However, the court concluded last week, unanimously, that the treaty is not contrary to the Constitution. Despite this ruling, the Popular Party maintained its rejection in the Upper House.
The PP's position in the Senate was defended by Senator Pilar Rojo, who stated that her vote did not question "at all the strategic importance of France as a neighbor, ally, and European partner." Vox also voted against the agreement and linked its opposition to its rejection of Sánchez and Macron.
Following the Senate's rejection, the Government has indicated that it will continue with the processing of the treaty to complete its ratification. Sánchez, for his part, has reaffirmed to Macron the will to maintain and strengthen the bilateral relationship between Spain and France.
