Marking his seven-year tenure as Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez took the opportunity to underscore his administration's progressive policies amidst mounting judicial challenges from the right. Despite the obstacles hindering his government's agenda, Sánchez celebrated the recent inauguration of Melilla's university hospital, a significant investment by the General State Administration in the autonomous city, as a testament to his crisis management during the pandemic and inflation induced by the Ukraine war. This stands in stark contrast to the austerity approach of the previous Popular Party (PP) government during the financial crisis. "June 1, 2018, marked a pivotal moment in our commitment to fortify the welfare state, following years of public service cuts and dismantling," Sánchez stated at an event alongside Health Minister Mónica García.

Should Sánchez maintain his plan to avoid early elections, he could potentially surpass José María Aznar and José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero in tenure by 2026, trailing only behind Felipe González's 13-year leadership. In his address, Sánchez highlighted a significant 61% increase in the minimum wage (from 735 euros in 2018 to the current 1,184 euros monthly, spread over 14 payments) and efforts to combat job insecurity with "more and better employment." The Easter upsurge in employment hit a record with 21.6 million affiliates in April, while unemployment dropped to its lowest since July 2008, with 2.5 million registered. Institutions such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have revised Spain's growth forecast to 2.5% this year, despite trade tensions sparked by Donald Trump, outpacing major Eurozone economies. "These seven years demonstrate Spain's unwavering progress despite challenging circumstances," he asserted.

Sánchez also highlighted his government's milestone of pension revaluation to match living costs, countering previous freezes and purchasing power losses. This is crucial in a nation with 12 million retirees, where bipartisanship remains robust against the rising far-right, which younger generations increasingly favor, as shown by the latest 40 dB. barometer for EL PAÍS and Cadena SER. Recent polling shows the socialists narrowing the gap with the PP to just three points.

Since the 2023 elections, Sánchez's public approval has improved, surpassing Vox leader Santiago Abascal and opposition leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo. In response to alleged corruption cases, the PP has organized a rally in Madrid, labeling the PSOE as a "mafia" with Sánchez as its "boss." Vox, abstaining from the rally, urged Sánchez to face a vote of no-confidence. The upcoming Conference of Presidents in Barcelona is set against a backdrop of tension between PP regional leaders and the central government.

Sánchez's visit to Melilla, which, like Ceuta, has not delegated healthcare authority to regional governments, emphasized the administration's commitment to public services. "Today, Spain invests nearly 30% more in healthcare than in 2018," Sánchez noted. Additionally, he recalled last week's government pledge to fund glasses and contact lenses for minors under 16 with up to 100 euros starting in September. However, this announcement was overshadowed by recordings involving Leire Díez, a PSOE member with roles in public enterprises during Sánchez's term, offering deals with the prosecution in exchange for negative information on UCO commanders. "Where there were massive layoffs and entire healthcare facilities shut down, public hospitals are now opening," Sánchez emphasized, aiming to shift focus from recent controversies, including the April 28 blackout, rail service disruptions, and scandals involving Leire Díez and Miguel Ángel Gallardo. The socialist faction perceives a "mafia campaign" against Sánchez, likely to persist until the PP congress in early July.