Pedro Sánchez's government is struggling to pass essential legislation aimed at social protection, with Congress recently rejecting the second attempt to implement the so-called "social shield." This initiative includes important measures such as energy price reductions, bans on interrupting basic supplies, and anti-eviction moratoriums that are designed to aid the most vulnerable members of society. The government's plans have encountered repeated challenges, particularly from the political party Junts, which has consistently opposed the PSOE's proposals.

The difficulties began when the government attempted to package these measures with pension increases in a comprehensive referendum back in January. This strategy backfired as Junts allied with the opposition parties, PP and Vox, to defeat the entire proposal, compelling the government to split the decree into separate texts. However, even after this segmentation, the government has found it challenging to secure the necessary support, leading to increasing speculation about their legislative strategy moving forward and whether they have a viable plan C to address the growing discontent.

The implications of these legislative failures are significant, as the rejection of the social shield directly impacts those who are most in need of support amidst financial hardships exacerbated by the ongoing economic crisis. Without effective measures in place, the Sánchez administration faces mounting pressure from citizens and opposition parties alike, raising questions about the future stability of the government and its ability to address pressing social issues during a critical time.