Pedro Sánchez faces the final stretch of the legislature with two major priorities: strengthening economic growth and solidifying the relationship with his parliamentary partners. The recent government reshuffle, with the ascent of Carlos Cuerpo to the first vice-presidency, responds precisely to that double objective, key to trying to exhaust the mandate until 2027.
The promotion of the until now Minister of Economy seeks to send a clear message inside and outside the Executive: for the president it is “fundamental” that the Spanish economy maintains its growth rate despite an uncertain international context, marked by conflicts such as the war in Iran, according to government sources.
In parallel, the appointment of Arcadi España at the head of Finance aims to strengthen the Government's negotiating profile. His experience in dialogue with the autonomous communities and his role in the Botànic Pact of 2015 endorse, according to Moncloa, his ability to manage a fluid relationship with partners, essential to sustain the legislature.
The good macroeconomic performance of Spain in recent years, with growth above the European average, has been one of the factors that have driven Sánchez to place Cuerpo as ‘number two’, replacing María Jesús Montero.
However, the scenario has changed and the Executive already warns that the international conflict will have an impact on citizens' pockets. Therefore, the anti-crisis measures recently approved —and already validated in Congress— have become the immediate priority of the Government.
If the situation prolongs, the adoption of new initiatives is not ruled out. Meanwhile, the validation of the housing decree remains pending, promoted by Sumar despite the lack of sufficient support, in a context in which access to housing continues to be one of the main social concerns.
In this new context, Cuerpo has already begun to take a leading role by defending in Congress the anti-crisis package, focused on curbing the rising cost of energy and, especially, of fuels, whose effects citizens are already perceiving.
