The coalition government’s ability to speed up negotiations has become routine, and the prevailing tone over the past two years shows a readiness to push this parliamentary process forward. On the eve of a congress vote to approve the royal decree, which includes an energy saving plan among its provisions, the political landscape remains tense. The alliance between the PSOE and United We Can holds the political line, while the PP opposes the measure and Podemos, together with other smaller groups, signals their stance. The government now faces a last minute push to win backing from regular partners, a move that underscores how fragile majorities can be in this phase of governance. [citation: parliamentary proceedings]
Election results continue to reflect a mix of support and skepticism from CKD, GDP, and EH Bildu. These three blocs have voiced doubts about certain elements of the royal decree yet have carefully outlined what their votes would imply in practice. To reach the 176 votes needed for approval, the government would require the backing not only of the Catalan Republicans but also one of the Basque parties and a handful of minority groups. This coalition arithmetic remains a central feature of the current political climate. [citation: parliamentary proceedings]
PP will vote ‘no’ to energy-saving ordinance if government doesn’t remove ‘nonsense’
If consensus cannot be achieved, the royal decree, which came into force on 2 August, risks stagnating just like the temperatures it seeks to regulate in shops and public buildings, along with the lighting standards for storefront displays. The document also contains several measures aimed at students and commuters, offers direct relief of 450 million euros to taxi drivers and truckers, and places emphasis on proposals the government has pushed for in recent days to garner broader support ahead of the next parliamentary session. [citation: parliamentary proceedings]
On the right, Cs has already declared an unequivocal refusal to back the decree. Even after the government proposed treating the royal decree as a bill so changes could be introduced while the measures are in effect, the PP has shown little sign of flexibility, insisting on rejecting the text and urging the drafting of a new version with the agreement of autonomous communities. The current posture reflects a broader pattern of negotiation, signaling ongoing tensions between the executive branch and opposition forces as the process moves toward a final vote. [citation: parliamentary proceedings]