Sánchez Isolates Himself at Moncloa Amid Fears of Internal Leaks

Sánchez skips his crisis team, deciding alone with Begoña Gómez

The government’s core has dissolved. Pedro Sánchez has remained secluded at La Moncloa since hastily leaving Congress on Wednesday, refusing to join the crisis meeting convened after he announced his resignation on social media, according to THE OBJECTIVE’s report on April 26, 2024. The scene depicts a president making decisions with only his vvife, Begoña Gómez. All details come from anonymous sources cited by the outlet, so treat this as a narrative, not a verdict.

The crisis meeting held without him

The meeting took place at the Semillas building, the presidency office headquarters, attended by the full core team: Deputy Prime Minister María Jesús Montero, Minister of the Presidency Félix Bolaños, and Transport Minister Óscar Puente. The president did not attend. Sources describe him as "isolated" in his official residence, where he has lived for five and a half years. Five years reveal which doors remain closed.

The explanation is personal rather than political: he believes neither the party nor the government defended his vvife. "They denounced the media publishing her stories, but didn’t defend her," a source summarizes. This reveals a serious management flaw in a president who gauges support by how others treat his spouse.

The ledger of grievances: who defended Begoña Gómez and who was late

According to the narrative, the president keeps score. He notes who failed to defend her, who was lukewarm, and who arrived too late. The party’s argument finally included a reference to her professional activity: "She is an independent, modern, free professional. This is a campaign of harassment and prejudice against her career." The cherry on top: he suspects someone in his team leaked information, as some data could only come "from within."

This is the core issue. A president who distrusts his own cabinet has a command problem, not a communication one. The manual offers few chapters for this.

Why won’t he attend the Federal Committee on June 9?

Because he refuses to endorse the convention approving European election lists. The body has set the date for June, and the general secretary has boycotted it: "He doesn’t want to go, doesn’t want to know anything. He is hurt and angry, wanting to send the message that we go it alone." Someone ousted by a Federal Committee in 2016 knows what this means. It is the first time in eight years he admits feeling alone in strategy design: "There is no core team anymore. They are overwhelmed, and tension is high at La Moncloa."

Some interpret this boycott as pressure on internal dissenters; others see it as abandonment. The difference lies in what happens on Monday.

Buses to Ferraz: Saturday as an internal plebiscite

While the president isolates himself, the machinery moves. The organization chartered hundreds of buses from Andalusia, the Valencian Community, and Castile and León, calling for a massive rally at Ferraz headquarters. If Saturday’s photo is powerful, the party hopes Sánchez listens and capitalizes on it. If weak, the message is reversed.

There is one person who can twist his decision, as she did in 2016 after a "reflection alucinación" to San Francisco, convincing him to run in primaries. Now, sources say, she told him to "hold on" and stay at La Moncloa.

Options considered and the Portuguese precedent

The bluff, they say, "has no return point." On the table are resignation, confidence vote, election call, and cabinet reshuffle. "Anything is possible, even all at once." If he retreats without a major announcement, the diagnosis is ruthless: "He would be a laughingstock." He is accused of wanting to "do a Costa," referencing the former Portuguese president, and highlighting alleged injustice before stepping down. Most sources believe "he is leaving."

The employment calculation no one wants to make

With the debate grounded in practicality, the question arises: how are these days of seclusion and suspended agenda justified on a public salary? In any other job, being absent without medical leave for three days to decide whether to quit has consequences, according to one participant. Here, the answer will be late, if it comes at all. Participants also noted the asymmetry with Ayuso, who reportedly endures accusations about her and her family without writing a public letter.

Saturday will reveal whether the street supports him or if support remains limited to chartered buses. Then comes Monday, and a decision, according to all signs, unconsulted with Montero, Bolaños, or Puente. If the yard fills and he announces a major change, the move succeeds. If not, the end of his cycle has begun without anyone signing it.