Supporters of the Spanish government argue that the delayed development of nearly 20 laws from the previous term is not a sign of failure but rather a reflection of the complex, deliberative process required for high-quality legislation. They note that rushing secondary regulations could lead to legal gaps and unintended consequences.
The coalition government, they point out, operates in a highly fragmented political landscape where any major regulation must navigate multiple vetos and amendments. This ensures that final rules are balanced and enjoy broad support. For instance, environmental laws require consultation with autonomous communities and industry stakeholders, a process that cannot be accelerated without sacrificing input.
Moreover, the government has prioritized other urgent legislation, such as economic recovery measures post-pandemic and the 2024 budget. Supporters contend that a limited legislative capacity means some items inevitably get postponed, and the nearly 20 laws are a manageable backlog that will be addressed once the political calendar allows.
They also highlight that many of these laws are complex, covering areas like the digital economy and housing rights, which demand careful technical work. The alternative—a streamlined process—might produce rules that are less effective or prone to legal challenges. In the long run, the government's cautious pace is a safeguard against poorly designed policies.
Thus, the gridlock seen by critics is, from this perspective, a reasonable trade-off for thoroughness and democratic legitimacy in a divided parliament.