Spain's PSOE divided as García-Page predicts defeat and Illa defends Sánchez

Castilla‑La Mancha president Emiliano García‑Page warned that the PSOE is assuming a "batacazo" in the next general election and accused Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez of ten years without self‑criticism. He linked the party’s decline to numerous corruption cases involving close associates of Sánchez and called for an early election to halt what he described as a "permanent haemorrhage".

Catalonia’s president Salvador Illa rejected García‑Page’s assessment, saying Sánchez enjoys broad support within the party and among citizens. Illa highlighted the government’s record of economic growth above the EU average, a record number of social‑security affiliates, and measures that strengthen rights and freedoms. He argued the legislature should run its full term and warned that premature elections could backfire.

The public clash underscores a deepening rift within the PSOE over strategy and leadership ahead of the upcoming national vote.