In a closely contested parliamentary session on Wednesday, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez narrowly escaped a humiliating defeat, signaling potential concerns over the stability of the country's new government. Sánchez, who heads the Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE), had formed a governing coalition with the leftist Sumar in November last year.

The Prime Minister aimed to push through three separate laws that were introduced in December via decree and required parliamentary approval to remain in effect. Two of these legislations, extending anti-inflationary measures and implementing changes to the management of the judiciary and civil service, received approval by a narrow margin.

However, the government faced a setback when the pro-independence Catalan Junts party abstained from voting. Additionally, the far-left Podemos opposed certain economic measures, leading to the government losing the third vote, which included an increase in unemployment benefits.

The approval of the anti-inflationary measures means that subsidies for public transport and essential food items, as well as the reduction of VAT on energy bills and pension increases, will remain in place to the relief of the government.

Prior to the votes, Junts had made demands for several changes, including the introduction of penalties for companies that had relocated their headquarters away from Catalonia in 2017 and had since refused to return. Junts' support played a vital role in securing Sánchez's investiture in November, and in return, the PSOE presented a controversial amnesty bill benefiting Catalans facing legal actions for separatist activities, among them former Catalan President Carles Puigdemont.

Miriam Nogueras of Junts addressed the chamber, stating, "We didn't come here with a commitment to stability, and both Junts and PSOE embarked on this adventure knowing the risks." This led many to anticipate that Junts would vote against the government; however, they ultimately abstained, claiming to have negotiated last-minute concessions, including increased control for Catalonia in immigration-related matters.

The close outcome of these votes has shed light on the fragility of Sánchez's administration and fueled criticism over his coalition's reliance on Junts. Conservative Popular Party leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo expressed his view, stating, "It's clear who is in charge: It's Puigdemont."

Despite narrowly avoiding defeat, the outcome of this parliamentary session raises questions about the government's stability moving forward. Sánchez's administration will need to navigate these challenges as it seeks to implement its agenda and maintain the support of its coalition partners.