Moncloa includes Vox in contacts regarding the war in Iran

The Spanish government is determined to approve a plan of measures to address the economic impact of the war in the Middle East, but first wants to consult with the political parties in Congress, whose support it will need, as well as with social partners (major unions and employers' associations). In this way, Moncloa will initiate a "round of talks," in the words of the Spanish government spokesperson, Elma Saiz, with the different political groups to assess what measures can be taken—this will also serve to understand the parties' demands, some of which, like Podemos and the PP, have already been put forward. A distinctive feature of this round, however, will be the inclusion of Vox, which the Pedro Sánchez administration has excluded on other occasions. In fact, it was excluded from the round of talks last January to inform them about the deployment of Spanish troops to Ukraine. Government sources clarify that "it's not the same" because this time it's not about informing them about the Spanish government's position on foreign policy, but about implementing "good measures." Furthermore, it will not be Spanish President Pedro Sánchez who presides over the meetings with the parties, but rather the Minister of the Presidency, Justice, and Relations with the Cortes, Félix Bolaños. Moncloa is seeking the broadest possible consensus to approve a stimulus plan. And that includes the far right, even though Santiago Abascal's party has systematically avoided supporting the Sánchez administration's initiatives. In fact, they are being called upon now when it comes to finding measures to mitigate the effects of the Trump administration's attack on Iran, knowing that Vox is the main ally in Spain of the President of the United States. For the moment, the People's Party (PP), which also maintains its distance from the Socialist Party (PSOE), has reacted with skepticism. The PP's spokesperson in Congress, Ester Muñoz, has refused to participate "in a propaganda campaign to cover up the scandals" of the Socialists, although she has not ruled out a meeting. Bolaños will be responsible for calling and scheduling meetings with the political parties to negotiate and seek their support for the measures. The Spanish government wants to begin these meetings this week, but has not specified whether they will continue beyond this week. Nor has it specified a timeline for when a concrete package of proposals might be ready, although the possibility of an imminent release has diminished in recent days. The government has requested some time to properly assess the economic impact, especially considering the volatility of energy prices. In parallel with these meetings with the political parties, the three vice-presidencies, as well as the Ministry of Social Security, are scheduling meetings with the trade unions CCOO and UGT, and the Spanish employers' association CEOE to also study the potential measures. Specific and structural measures

The Third Vice President and Minister for Ecological Transition, Sara Aagesen, explained on Tuesday that the plan being considered by the Spanish government will include both short-term measures and structural ones. "It must be an effective response," she asserted. The short-term measures should protect businesses, workers, and families and could include proposals already approved in 2022, following the outbreak of the war in Ukraine: for example, fuel subsidies or VAT reductions on food. The structural measures would serve to strengthen strategic autonomy and the energy transition, the minister said, with the aim of being "less exposed" to price volatility. The People's Party (PP) has been demanding tax cuts for days to offset the increase in energy prices, but warns that it will not accept "communist" measures introduced "through the back door." This proposal clashes with the position put forward by Podemos, which has called for an "anti-Trump plan" that includes nationalizing Repsol, creating a public bank, and "expropriating" homes from vulture funds.