José Félix Tezanos asserts that there is a political strategy aimed at dissuading Catholic voters from supporting the PSOE, with involvement from PP leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo and the president of the Spanish Episcopal Conference, Luis Argüello.
José Félix Tezanos, the president of the Centre for Sociological Research (CIS) in Spain, argues that there is a significant political maneuvering intended to steer Catholic voters away from the Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE) in upcoming elections, particularly the general elections in 2027. He highlights the involvement of key political and religious figures, notably Alberto Núñez Feijóo, the leader of the Popular Party (PP), and Luis Argüello, the president of the Spanish Episcopal Conference (CEE). Tezanos presents these claims in his article published in the magazine 'Temas,' where he explores the evolving positions within the Catholic Church regarding its stance towards the current Sanchez government.
In the article, Tezanos observes a shift in Argüello's rhetoric, suggesting that the president of the CEE has transitioned from a neutral-to-collaborative stance with the PSOE and Sumar coalition toward a more confrontational approach that aligns with Feijóo's political strategy. He expresses concern over recent comments made by Argüello, which he interprets as politically charged and indicative of a coalition between the church hierarchy and conservative political leaders in an attempt to mobilize Catholic voters against the ruling party.
The implications of these dynamics are significant for Spanish politics, underscoring the intersection of religion and politics in contemporary electoral contexts. As Tezanos notes, the changing nature of church-state interactions may influence voter behavior and party alignments as the nation heads towards future elections, raising questions about the role of religious institutions in shaping political outcomes and voter preferences in a predominantly Catholic country like Spain.
