Sánchez rules out snap election despite speculation

Sánchez rules out snap election despite speculation

There will be no snap election. That is the conclusion emerging from political analysis in recent hours, after the president's own party fueled rumors of an early election with the sole intention—it is argued—of diverting attention from corruption cases affecting the party. The hypothesis of an early election, however, has a more prosaic explanation: it would serve to pause pending trials threatening the president's circle.

Pedro Sánchez has proven he can weather any storm as long as he has paid kerosene. Snap elections are for those who have something to lose, and he lost his shame long ago. Monday will be the usual: press conference, feigned suffering, "I have reflected," and back to feeding at the trough.

Why is an early election being speculated about?

The rumor doesn't come from nowhere. This morning, the president's party spread the idea of an imminent election. The synchronization of friendly media was such that some analysts joked that "the entire synchronized press" was announcing elections tomorrow. For some analysts, the goal is clear: to cover up the drip of corruption information affecting the PSOE.

The other circulating hypothesis is more disturbing. As Soto Ivars noted, the only real reason to call early elections would be to pause all pending trials. In other words, it wouldn't be a democratic gesture, but a procedural maneuver to buy time.

What will happen on Monday?

On Monday, the president will hold a press conference and say that, after his weekend of reflection, he feels stronger to fight the right and far-right at the helm of his "pogre" government. His henchmen will work feverishly to finalize the electoral fraud. It's the usual script.

Some argue that a guy who has proven he can weather any storm as long as the Falcon has paid kerosene won't give up the seat voluntarily. Snap elections are for those who have something to lose, and he lost his shame long ago, so he has nothing left to preserve except his office.

Can trials be halted with an early election?

The question is pertinent. If you're a crook, you're a crook before and after elections. Judicial independence is not suspended by an election call. Another matter is that the state machinery slows down and procedural timelines stretch. But judges don't stop by decree.

What does happen is that the media spotlight shifts. During a campaign, corruption cases take a back seat. And that, for a cornered government, is already a breather.

What do party members think?

The PSOE is conducting a secret survey among members and militants. The question is: "Do you think this is the right time to call elections?" Leadership is not questioned, nor is the vote doubted. It asks about timing. And it asks those who will vote for them even if a video of them eating babies emerges.

Some members admit that "there has been some long-handedness," but deny that their party reaches the level of the Gurtel gang. Corruption, in any case, is not the monopoly of a single party.

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With these ingredients, an early election seems unlikely. The president will hold out until the last day of the legislature. He likes being the center of attention. He's a textbook clown. But a clown who won't let go of the seat.