Patxi López's economic blunder that nobody forgets

Patxi López: the economic blunder that embarrasses the Government

It was bound to happen. Any public appearance by Patxi López now comes with an automatic label: yet another blunder. The scene is as predictable as it is uncomfortable: the former Basque premier (exlehendakari) says something absurd, President Sánchez pulls a sour face, and the viewer hits mute. But the latest episode has crossed every line.

The discussion, which was supposed to be about economics — or at least something resembling it — descended into a rambling monologue. According to eyewitnesses, López made incoherent remarks about Begoña — the president's vvife — in a tone many described as inappropriate. Sánchez, visibly annoyed, made it clear that government support comes at a price. "Not so loud, Patxi," as some would say.

The former minister's technical grasp: below par

The lack of qualifications and knowledge is nothing new. In previous appearances, López has already shown that his back-of-the-envelope economics cannot withstand the slightest scrutiny. Data taken out of context, figures rounded down and a tendency to personalise debates — to the point of mentioning the leader's family — make him a drag on the Executive. "No matter when you read it, he's always making a fool of himself," sums up a recurring take on social media.

The political price of keeping him in the spotlight

Behind every gaffe lies an electoral cost that no one dares to quantify precisely. What is clear is that patience at Moncloa (the Prime Minister's office) is wearing thin. With an opposition seizing on every slip-up, keeping López as a spokesperson or visible figure is a high-risk gamble. "We get what we deserve," some observers quip, while the right rubs its hands in glee.

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Closing: The damning figure — Not even his own party colleagues defend him. The party's silence after his latest intervention is deafening.