Alberto Núñez Feijóo spoke on Saturday at the Port of Vigo of the government Pedro Sánchez accused of calling an early general election out of fear of corruption investigations. The chairman of the Partido Popular described the cabinet as a “government of corruption” and said: “I will make sure they pay for everything.” He ruled out pardons for those convicted of corruption.
Feijóo was referring to ongoing investigations involving people close to the Socialists and said that “16 investigations are still open”. He presented this as his political assessment. At the same time, he linked his criticism to economic issues: he attributed rising prices to the international increase in oil prices and announced tax cuts which, he said, would be possible “without cuts to public services”.
The event in Vigo was also attended by the president of the Xunta de Galicia, Alfonso Rueda, as well as councillor and MP Luisa Sánchez Méndez attended. Feijóo thereby visibly positioned the Partido Popular for the final, heated phase of the campaign before the vote on 29 November 2026.
Pedro Sánchez’s government rejects the accusation that the judiciary is being used for political purposes. Senior Socialists stress that investigations and possible charges are matters for the independent courts, while political responsibility is addressed in Parliament. Feijóo provided no specific evidence that the election date had been set because of particular cases.
A change of government does not alter the judiciary’s jurisdiction: investigations, charges and rulings remain the responsibility of prosecutors and courts. Politically, however, Feijóo’s rhetoric signals a strategy of intensifying the focus on corruption and government. His pledge not to grant pardons for corruption convictions is intended to set him apart from his opponents and increase pressure on the Socialists. The dispute over corruption allegations, the judiciary and economic pressures is therefore likely to continue in the weeks remaining before election day.
The statements made at the Puerto de Vigo should be understood as campaign messages. They reflect the opposition leader’s position and foreground issues likely to shape the tone of the debate until 29 November 2026.
Editor: Phillipe Schmidt-Araguin (Article created with AI assistance).