Pedro Sánchez, invested as President of the Government

Lower House of Parliament, Madrid

The Acting President of the Government and candidate to the Presidency of the Government, Pedro Sánchez, for the Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (Spanish acronym: PSOE), reminded MPs in the third day of the investiture process that over the last four years Spain has not had a government with full powers for over eighteen months.

Without a parliament, he argued, you cannot have a democratic government, but without a government-elect, a parliament cannot function indefinitely. "It is unacceptable for this situation to happen again in the future, but even more unacceptable for this situation to go on a day longer in our country", he argued.

The Spanish people have upheld their obligation by voting five times in a year, and it is the duty of their representatives to give them a government in line with their will, said Pedro Sánchez, who reiterated his proposal for a coalition of progress, dialogue and social justice.

Social rights, equality and dialogue

The candidate highlighted that all citizens will benefit from the measures contained in the programme he outlined on the first day of the investiture process. Pedro Sánchez mentioned raising the minimum wage, increasing resources for families at risk of poverty, the fight against job insecurity and unemployment, the extension of social rights, enhancing equality between men and women, greater attention for areas at risk of depopulation, dialogue to overcome territorial disputes - "always within the Spanish Constitution" - and boosting science, research, the digital revolution and infrastructures.

EfePedro Sánchez pointed out that the contribution to the public coffers from the highest earners will be raised, but this increase will only affect one in every 200 taxpayers. Small- and medium-sized enterprises will see their tax burden reduced.

Another of the priorities of the new government will be the fight against the climate emergency. "We will do this by guaranteeing a just transition to a new energy model in which no-one is prejudiced, and everyone, regardless of ideology, will benefit from purer air, cleaner water and a more sustainable planet", he stressed.

The Acting President of the Government advocated creating a constructive climate among the parliamentary forces and recovering room to manoeuvre when it comes to forging consensuses and agreements that our country needs and that our citizens demand.

Voted in by simple majority

In the subsequent vote, Pedro Sánchez received 167 votes in favour, 165 against, with 18 abstentions, thus receiving a simple majority as required under the Constitution in order to be voted in by the Lower House.

The Speaker of the Lower House, Meritxell Batet, will notify the King of this result for the purpose of appointing Pedro Sánchez as President of the Government of Spain.

Non official translation