Pedro Sánchez becomes the voice of the international left

Pedro Sánchez has been the Prime Minister of Spain since June 2018, leading a government that has implemented a raft of progressive policies. Despite not always being seen as a committed left-winger, Sánchez has strategically anchored his party, PSOE, to the left and positioned himself as the leader of a wider progressive bloc. This pragmatic approach has allowed him to govern effectively, even though his leadership has faced challenges, including a string of recent local election losses for PSOE.

In the international arena, Sánchez has taken on a more prominent role, particularly in the last year or so, by directly confronting former U.S. President Donald Trump. His foreign policy has become a key aspect of his premiership, demonstrating that his government is active and engaged on the world stage. This shift has seen him embrace his reputation as a leading voice for the international left, a role he solidified by hosting a star-studded left-wing gathering in Barcelona in April to reinvigorate progressive politics globally.

Sánchez's political survival has also been marked by his ability to frame electoral contests as a battle against the far-right. In the run-up to a crucial vote, he was on the brink of defeat but managed to turn the tide by highlighting the policy gains and social protections that would be under threat from a far-right victory. This strategy, however, has proven not to be a sufficient long-term solution, as indicated by the comment that it has 'been proven to not be enough.'

On domestic issues, Sánchez has not shied away from progressive stances. For instance, on climate change, there is a sense in Spain that one does not need to apologize for being proactive and progressive. Similarly, immigration has not been a major concern for the Spanish public, with only a small percentage viewing it as the biggest issue facing the country in January and June. This context provides potential lessons for UK politicians like Andy Burnham, who may look to Sánchez's tenure for strategies on how to navigate progressive politics in their own country.