Fraud of the Constitution from beginning to end

The Spanish opposition party Popular Party (PP) has called on the central government to reverse its decision to exclude Galicia from the national high-speed rail network expansion plan. In a non-binding parliamentary proposal, the PP's regional group in Galicia argued that the move represents a new injustice toward Galician infrastructure and risks isolating much of the region’s railway system from European standards. The PP accused the ruling Socialist government under Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez of undermining Galicia’s integration into the Atlantic Corridor, a key trans-European transport route. The controversy centers around the state’s strategic plan for expanding high-speed rail lines, which aims to connect Spain with international networks through the Atlantic Corridor. Galicia, a western region of Spain, has long sought inclusion in this project to improve connectivity with Portugal and other European countries. However, the current government has opted not to include Galicia in the initial phase of the plan, citing technical and financial considerations. This decision has drawn sharp criticism from the PP, which claims it disregards the region’s economic and logistical needs. The PP’s demand comes amid broader tensions between the ruling Socialists and the opposition over infrastructure priorities and regional representation. The PP argues that excluding Galicia weakens the region’s ability to compete economically and integrate fully into Europe’s transport systems. It also highlights concerns about the aging and less modernized parts of Galicia’s rail network, which could fall further behind if not upgraded alongside the rest of Spain. The dispute reflects deeper political divisions within Spain, particularly following the recent general elections. The PP had hoped to form a government after the July 23 election results, but failed to secure enough support to challenge Sánchez’s Socialist-led coalition. Since then, the PP has been vocal about perceived injustices in policy decisions affecting regions under its traditional influence, such as Galicia. The PP’s criticism of the government extends beyond infrastructure issues. Earlier reports suggested that the PP has been challenging the constitutional process surrounding the formation of the current government. According to some accounts, the PP leader, Alberto Núñez Feijóo, pushed the king to propose him as prime minister despite knowing that Sánchez had secured a majority in parliament. This maneuver was seen as an attempt to circumvent established constitutional norms, which previously dictated that the monarch would nominate a candidate who had parliamentary backing. Feijóo’s approach marked a departure from past conventions, where the monarchy typically followed the will of the legislature. In 2016, former PM Mariano Rajoy declined the king’s nomination, effectively halting the investment process until Sánchez eventually formed his government. Now, Feijóo is reportedly seeking to reinterpret Article 99 of the Constitution to justify his claim to leadership, even though he lacks the necessary parliamentary support. This constitutional maneuvering has raised questions about the role of the Senate in Spain’s political landscape. The PP has attempted to shift responsibility onto the Senate, arguing that it should play a more active role in shaping legislation and holding the government accountable. However, critics argue that these efforts contradict the Constitution, which clearly assigns the primary role of overseeing executive actions to the Congress of Deputies. Despite these challenges, the PP continues to push for changes in both infrastructure planning and constitutional interpretation. Its latest demand regarding Galicia underscores the ongoing struggle between regional interests and national priorities, as well as the broader political conflict between the ruling Socialists and their main opposition. The outcome of these disputes will likely shape Spain’s future policies and the balance of power among its regions.