Socialist Party of Spain (PSOE) approves workday and exits talks guided by Díaz

The Spanish parliament is set to debate a proposal to reduce the standard working week to 37.5 hours, with the measure enjoying widespread support among citizens. However, the road to implementation may not be smooth, as several political parties have expressed opposition.

The Socialist Party of Workers' Forces (PSOE) is leading the charge, but the vice-president and Sumar leader, Yolanda Díaz, is finding herself at the centre of controversy. The PSOE is attempting to distance itself from the issue, as some perceive an ideological issue with the opposition from Junts, a party allegedly linked to Catalan business associations.

Junts, a right-wing party, is believed to be capable of blocking the measure without significant electoral costs due to its focus on business interests. Josep Rius, spokesman for Junts, stated that 37.5 weekly hours are manageable for large companies but not for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs).

Sumar, on the other hand, is trying to maintain hope and plans to convince Junts until the end, while also putting pressure on PP leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo. If the vote does not pass, Sumar intends to bring it back to Congress.

The PSOE perceives an opposition from Junts as a risk, as they believe it poses a risk to small and medium-sized enterprises. If the measure fails, it will not be the government's defeat, but rather the political parties that oppose the measure will have to explain it.

There is pessimism within Socialist sources ahead of the parliamentary debate on Wednesday. PP and Vox are expected to oppose the proposal, and hopes that Puigdemont's party will allow the process to continue are fading.

Meanwhile, the Senate is questioning a former PSOE member, Leire Díez, over UCO tapes. The measure to reduce working hours is popular among a large majority of citizens, but the political landscape in Spain may dictate its fate.

Elsewhere, PP leader Feijóo defends an event amid pro-Palestinian protests in La Vuelta. BNG requests explanations from the government about the alleged excessive use of security forces during La Vuelta in Galicia. Ponte (BNG) expresses outrage over the arrest of protesters during the same event in La Vuelta.

Rius also accused Sumar of making a mistake in the Congress' Speakers' Bureau, which, in his opinion, forces the project to be evaluated hastily. The search results do not specify the spokesperson of Junts regarding the proposal to reduce the working week to 37.5 hours.

On Monday, Socialist spokeswoman Montse Minguez left the door open to a last-minute agreement but also protected the government in case the lower house rejects the proposal. If the measure passes, it could mark a significant shift in Spanish labour laws. The parliamentary debate on Wednesday promises to be a critical moment in this ongoing saga.