A motion of no confidence would be “a lifeline for ‘Sánchezism’,” said Popular Party (PP) spokesman Borja Sémper at a press conference in Madrid.

A few minutes earlier, also in Madrid, Spanish Prime Minister and leader of the Spanish Socialist Workers” Party (PSOE), Pedro Sánchez, had challenged the opposition to move forward with a motion of no confidence, in the face of criticism in recent days over allegations of corruption involving PSOE leaders and a former minister.

Last week, PP leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo had already rejected the possibility of moving forward with a motion of no confidence in the government, as he did not have the necessary votes in parliament to be successful, stressing that this would result in Sánchez being confirmed and re-legitimised as prime minister.