Although the numbers don't add up, Sumar is not throwing in the towel. The PNV's decision to abstain makes the validation of the royal decree-law on rents even more difficult and places the ball, once again, in Junts' court. With the 'no' from PP and Vox, and the abstention of the 'jetzale', the only thing that works for the Government is the yes from the Catalan independentists.
The spokesperson for Sumar in Congress, Verónica M. Barberó, has insisted that the law must move forward because "it is what the majority wants." The minority partner in the coalition maintains confidence that negotiations with the groups will reach a good outcome: "This Congress has the capacity to legislate and my parliamentary group to negotiate." "Until the button is pressed, we maintain hope," she remarked at a press conference from the Lower House.
Barberó has shown herself to be very critical of the PP, however, she has avoided addressing the PNV in similar terms, despite the fact that their vote will also prevent the validation of the decree-law. The spokesperson has acknowledged that they have a very fluid relationship with the Basque Group and that they were aware of this decision.
Despite everything, the spokesperson for Sumar remained firm in the face of journalists' questions about the Executive's foreseeable defeat: "It is going to be validated, I'm telling you."