Santiago Abascal (Bilbao, 1976) has granted an interview to ABC in which he has touched on several current issues related to negotiations with the Popular Party (PP) and the political situation of the country. Amidst the pacts and coalitions being negotiated in the different autonomous communities, Abascal has reiterated that the PP leadership has "forced" the need to form coalitions in three communities, despite the initial plans Vox had for these agreements.
"The difficulties come from Genoa"
Abascal has been quick to respond to the criticisms coming from the PP's central headquarters, accusing the Génova leadership of putting obstacles in the negotiations and interfering in the process. According to the Vox leader, agreements in Extremadura, Aragon, and Castilla y León could have been reached without so many difficulties if the PP were not imposing conditions. Furthermore, he has assured that agreements have been reached in the Balearic Islands on issues such as the withdrawal of social aid to illegal immigrants, a hot topic in Vox's immigration policies.
"We want to govern"
Regarding the negotiations, Abascal has highlighted that Vox has the will to be part of the government in the three autonomous communities, making it clear that they are not intimidated by Feijóo's statements about Vox's inability to govern. "We want to enter the governments, because they have accused us of not wanting to govern and that must be denied. The regional parties of the PP must thank Feijóo for this situation," he stated.
The candidate has insisted that political positions will not be discussed until a programmatic agreement is reached, although he shows himself open to collaborating with the PP in all autonomous communities where it is necessary, as long as Vox's principles continue to be respected.
The challenge of long-term agreements
Regarding the issue of long-term coalition agreements, Abascal has indicated that the PP has demanded that the pacts be signed for four years, something he does not consider a priority, although he does admit that stability is necessary for good governance. However, he has made it clear that they are not willing to accept agreements that are not satisfactory for Vox.
Accusations to Feijóo and the PP
Abascal has not hesitated to lash out against the stance of Feijóo and some PP leaders, accusing them of trying to "destroy the alternative to Sánchez" with dirty campaigns and of weakening the opposition with media attacks. "The PP is more intent on harming us than on defeating the PSOE," he has assured.
A coalition with the PSOE in the future?
Regarding the possibility of a pact with the PSOE, Abascal has made it clear that he does not see it as a viable option, accusing Feijóo of intending to seek some kind of agreement with socialism. "We do not want to pact with the PSOE, but Feijóo still seems to be looking for some way to understand them," he stated.
The immigration policy: the main urgency
As for the reforms he considers most urgent in a possible government with the PP, Abascal has highlighted the importance of migratory policy. "Mass immigration is collapsing our political system, our public services, housing, healthcare. This is the big issue that must be resolved urgently," he stressed.
Abascal has also been critical of the Episcopal Conference's stance on immigration, pointing out that the ecclesiastical hierarchy supports policies that, in his opinion, are fostering a "migratory invasion". "I believe that most parishioners also think the same," he assured.