Alejandro Fernández seeks to be a leading voice in the Spanish center-right

The PP heads into the week of the congress with a view to reaching a consensus in a conclave designed to strengthen Alberto Núñez Feijóo's leadership, and with a few days leading up to it animated by the debate sparked by the amendments presented by Alejandro Fernández. With the intention of clarifying the red lines of the alliance policies with the pro-independence parties, the president of the Catalan Popular Party (PP) has not wanted to challenge Génova or ignore the call for a peaceful congress. The Catalan leader is seeking to build his own voice within the party and become a leading figure in the Spanish center-right.

This is how the amendments presented should be read, according to the leaders consulted, which obviously reflect their ideology, but also part of their political activity in recent months, with frequent appearances in PP organizations in different parts of Spain—aside from the presentations of the book published in April—focused primarily on explaining how the procés has been transferred to Spanish politics.

The president of the Catalan Popular Party (PP) sets his ideological profile but negotiates the agreement.

Alejandro Fernández doesn't want to challenge for leadership in Spain, but rather to have his voice heard now and in the future within the Spanish center-right. And, above all, he wants the Catalan People's Party (PP) to voice its opinion, bearing in mind that the major issues of political debate emanate from this region.

Therefore, at a conference with a presentation and a political context closely linked to the independence process , the Catalan leader could not avoid entering into the debate. Fernández, according to his entourage, defends what he has always defended: the rejection of agreements with parties "whose objective is to subvert the constitutional order." However, the amendments were proposed with the aim of reaching an agreement with the party leadership to prevent the three-day conference from descending into an erosive debate. This is especially true in the context of the PSOE's weakness due to the emerging cases of alleged corruption.

Within the Catalan People's Party (PP), there was no unanimous opinion on the line outlined in the amendments presented. One sector, which the PP president's entourage considers the majority, does support this framework with respect to the red lines of the pact policies. Another sector believes it was necessary to propose a proposal that avoids strings attached and leaves room for future pacts. This is not because agreements can be reached that include "concessions" to the sovereignty movement, but rather to forge alliances based on other issues.

Read also The Catalan People's Party (PP) asks that the report clarify that there will be no pact with the independence movement. Cristina Sen

There are also voices who, regardless of their opinion on the content of the amendments, believe it is always necessary to open debates at congresses. Even in the one that begins this Friday, designed to strengthen Feijóo's leadership. And the primary model for the election of the party president has also been agreed upon between the committee and the president of Madrid, Isabel Díaz Ayuso, normally the main alternative voice in the PP. It is interesting, one leader pointed out, that not all of the political line, including that referring to the party's statutes, is dictated exclusively by Génova Street.

In any case, Alejandro Fernández's move must be read, as stated, within a broader context. It's worth remembering that it was only a little over a year ago that the Catalan People's Party (PP), along with its president, gained momentum following the results of the 2024 Catalan elections, after sailing with three deputies.

A line of reflection on the red lines when defining the pact policy also connects with an electorate that does not want to see the PP subject to Junts, it is indicated.