Pedro Sánchez has made great efforts to cultivate his international image. Today is one of those days when it is confirmed that his exposure to foreign media has had an impact. Leading newspapers like the American 'The New York Times' or channels like the British BBC are providing live coverage of the announcement of early elections in Spain. Something unprecedented in our country's elections. However, for better or for worse for President Sánchez, while his political skills are highlighted, it is emphasized that he is likely to lose at the polls and the scandals surrounding him are underlined.
The European reference website, POLITICO, leads with this, highlighting it as the news of the day. According to the outlet, "the elections could mark the downfall of the last major socialist government in the EU" and the end of "one of the main European critics of US President Donald Trump." POLITICO describes Sánchez as "weakened by corruption cases and the migration crisis," recalling episodes like "the Iberian blackout" and even pointing out the issue that the Spanish government boasts about the most, the economy: "The average population does not feel the impact of Spain's strong growth and inflation surpasses wage increases, leaving most households with little purchasing power." It also highlights that "the international response to the current migration crisis in Ceuta has raised doubts about Spain's weight on the global stage."
According to the BBC correspondent in Madrid, Guy Hedgecoe, with the early elections, "Sánchez clearly wants to take the initiative, but it will be very difficult for him to stay in power." "The president believes that the public outrage caused by the rejection of Congress on housing measures could mobilize left-wing voters," he adds, concluding: "It is a bet with little chance of success."
Another significant international channel, the American CNN, reports on the Spanish issue just behind the elections in Brazil, citing "the increasing pressure" that Sánchez was facing as the key reason for the call. The British newspaper 'Financial Times' also goes straight to the point with what happened this morning in our country: "The Spanish leader wants to use the housing crisis as an opportunity to confront his right-wing opponents."
The Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera focuses on the figure of Alberto Núñez Feijóo, making clear his advantage in the polls. However, like in the other mentioned media, there is not much emphasis on the possible rise of the far-right to power that Sánchez is so concerned about, but rather on the favorable polls "for the conservatives."
The New York Times focuses on "the corruption scandals affecting those closest" to the president, and provides a list of names: "José Luis Ábalos, David Sánchez, Begoña Gómez, José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero...". Its correspondent in Madrid, Jason Horowitz, analyzes "the growing number of accusations and complaints related to corruption." However, the American newspaper also delves into Sánchez's figure, as "a reference for the international left": "He is a reference for his opposition to the Trump Administration and one of the European leaders who have been in power the longest." The Wall Street Journal focuses on this European detail, stating that Sánchez's fate, the housing problem, immigration, and Ceuta are examples of "the instability shaking European politics."