Who is Pedro Sánchez?

1. Early Life and Formation: The Making of a Politician

Pedro Sánchez, born Pedro Sánchez Pérez-Castejón on 29 February 1972 in Madrid, Spain, has become one of the most prominent and polarizing figures in modern Spanish politics. His early life was shaped by the cultural, political, and economic transformations of Spain in the post-Franco era. Sánchez grew up in Madrid and pursued rigorous academic studies that laid the foundation for his political career.

He studied Economics and Business Administration at the Complutense University of Madrid, where he would later engage in early political and student activism. Sánchez furthered his academic credentials with postgraduate training in European economic and political affairs at the Free University of Brussels, a background that would prove key to his later European policy focus. His early professional years included work as an economic advisor and lecturer, experiences that not only deepened his understanding of public policy but also expanded his networks within political circles.

2. Rise Through the PSOE and National Parliament

Sánchez’s political ascent began in earnest in the early 2000s. He entered local politics and later became a member of the Spanish Congress of Deputies in 2009, representing Madrid. His fiery speeches, command of policy issues, and persistent efforts to modernize his party distinguished him from many colleagues.

By 2014, Sánchez was a leading figure within the PSOE’s federal structure, eventually being elected Secretary-General of the PSOE in 2017. This election was controversial at the time: Sánchez had earlier resigned from PSOE leadership after internal clashes within the party over support for Spain’s national government. His return was seen as a testament to his resilience and ability to mobilize grassroots support within the party.

3. Becoming Prime Minister in 2018: A Historic Return

In June 2018, Pedro Sánchez achieved a remarkable political victory: he became Prime Minister of Spain after successfully leading a motion of no confidence against then-prime minister Mariano Rajoy of the conservative People’s Party (PP). The motion succeeded amid growing corruption scandals within the PP and public demands for political renewal.

Sánchez’s accession to La Moncloa — the Spanish prime minister’s official residence — marked a historic moment, not just for him personally but for Spanish politics. It signaled the return of a left-leaning government after years of conservative dominance and foreshadowed a policy shift toward social welfare programs, climate commitments, and deeper European engagement.

4. First Term (2018–2020): Early Agenda and Challenges

Sánchez’s initial time in office was shaped by efforts to stabilize Spain’s fractured political landscape, which had been rocked by Catalan separatist tensions and deep polarization. His government championed:

Social reforms including increases in minimum wage,
LGBTQ+ rights protections,
Labor reforms aiming to strengthen workers’ rights,
Climate action commitments aligned with the European Green Deal framework.

However, his first term also faced significant obstacles, ranging from parliamentary instability to resistance from regional parties, especially over Catalonia’s separatist push. His minority governments — first with PSOE alone and later alongside Unidas Podemos — had to navigate coalition politics delicately while maintaining legislative momentum.

5. The COVID-19 Era (2020–2022): Crisis Management and Recovery

Like governments around the world, Sánchez’s leadership was profoundly tested by the COVID-19 pandemic. Spain was one of the European countries hardest hit during the early waves of the pandemic, resulting in a major public health and economic crisis.

Under Sánchez’s leadership, Spain enacted one of the strictest lockdowns in Europe. The government also deployed ambitious economic support packages, including furlough systems and support for businesses and families. While these actions received both praise and criticism, they positioned Sánchez as a decisive crisis manager.

The recovery phase included leveraging EU Next Generation funds, designed to support post-pandemic economic reconstruction, digital transformation, and climate action — a theme that would continue throughout his premiership.

6. Second Term (2023–Present): Coalitions and Policy Direction

Following the 2023 general elections, Sánchez’s PSOE failed to secure an outright majority, necessitating an expanded coalition with Sumar — a left-wing party led by Yolanda Díaz — along with support from smaller regional parties. This coalition underscored Sánchez’s reliance on consensus-building and progressive policy negotiation in a fragmented parliament.

6.1 Major Policy Initiatives

Over his second term, Sánchez has focused on an ambitious domestic agenda:

Housing reforms intended to temper rent inflation and improve affordability, though their effectiveness has been debated and implementation uneven across regions.
Investment in public health, increasing funding significantly over the last several years.
Cultural policy internationalisation emphasizing Spain’s creative economy as a growth engine.
Social welfare expansions, such as expanded parental leave, public education places, and mental health initiatives as part of broader welfare state strengthening.

Internationally, Sánchez has been a vocal proponent of a robust European Union, strategic cooperation with Mediterranean partners, and active multilateralism at global forums.

7. International Relations and Global Policy (2025–2026)

Sánchez’s foreign policy has been marked by a strong emphasis on cooperation, European unity, and human rights. Some notable themes include:

Support for Ukraine’s EU integration and international law principles in the face of Russia’s invasion.
Strengthening bilateral ties with Greece and a broader EU 360° vision that includes Southern partners.
Affirming support for coordinated action on climate, democracy, and international law at EU summits.
Advocating for the UK’s reentry into the European Union, a striking stance that positions Spain as a bridge-builder in post-Brexit Europe.
Spain’s commitment to hosting and leading democratic defense forums against political extremism.

8. The 2025 Political Landscape: Achievements and Criticisms

8.1 Economic and Social Claims

At the end of 2025, Sánchez highlighted what he described as significant strides in economic growth and social policy. Government data portrayed strong employment figures, lower inequality, and rising public services investment. His public messaging emphasized monthly improvements in Spaniards’ lives.

However, these claims are contested. Political opponents framed 2025 as a period of policy stagnation and government “collapse,” asserting that Sánchez’s leadership has faltered under economic challenges and political divisions.

8.2 Controversies and Scandals

Sánchez’s administration has not been without controversy. In 2025, scandal rocked the PSOE when allegations of sexual misconduct and mishandling of harassment claims emerged involving multiple party figures, prompting internal backlash and public scrutiny.

Additionally, corruption investigations, including a judicial probe into allegations involving individuals close to the prime minister, triggered pressure on his leadership and debates about governance integrity. Sánchez responded by announcing an anti-corruption plan with a 15-point framework developed with the OECD to restore trust and enhance transparency.

Such controversies fueled political tension, including criticism from opposition leaders calling for resignations and snap elections.

9. Policy in 2026: Digital Regulation and Child Protection

In early 2026, Sánchez’s government introduced a bold and controversial initiative to ban social media access for children under 16, designed to protect youth from harmful content, misinformation, and exploitation. This measure, part of a broader digital safety push, has drawn international attention and fierce pushback from tech leaders, including public criticism from Elon Musk.

This case highlights Sánchez’s willingness to pursue ambitious regulatory frameworks, even at the risk of confrontation with powerful tech interests — a stance that underscores his broader approach to governance in an era of rapid digital transformation.

10. Leadership Style and Public Perception

Pedro Sánchez’s leadership combines intellectual rigor with political boldness. His policy focus emphasizes progressive social justice, environmental sustainability, European integration, and active global engagement. Yet his tenure has also been marked by:

Persistent parliamentary negotiation due to Spain’s fragmented political system,
Controversies that test his political resilience,
Responses to both economic pressures and international crises.

Public perception of Sánchez remains deeply divided: to supporters he is a defender of social reform and democratic values; to critics he embodies political turbulence and contested governance. Both narratives are part of his enduring legacy in Spanish politics.

11. What’s Next? The Road Toward 2027 and Beyond

As 2026 unfolds, Pedro Sánchez faces a complex political environment. With national general elections scheduled for 2027, his government’s performance throughout 2026 – especially on economic stability, social policy delivery, and digital regulation – will shape not only Spain’s future direction but also his own political fortunes.