The political tension between the Popular Party (PP) and the Spanish government has reached a boiling point as PP's regional leaders threaten to boycott the upcoming Conference of Presidents in Barcelona. This move echoes past actions by Catalonian and Basque separatists, marking a significant political maneuver. The PP demands the inclusion of eight specific topics in the conference agenda, a condition they assert as non-negotiable. Despite assurances from the government to incorporate these topics, skepticism remains among PP leaders.

PP's national leader, Alberto Núñez Feijóo, has endorsed this institutional challenge against the government, even with the presence of the King at the event. The tension escalated as PP leaders prepared travel arrangements to Barcelona, yet signaled their readiness to withdraw if their demands are not formally acknowledged. A decisive letter was dispatched to the Ministry of Territorial Policy, outlining their agenda requirements.

Government spokesperson Pilar Alegría offered reassurances post-Council of Ministers meeting, confirming the inclusion of PP-proposed topics in the agenda. However, PP leaders await formal confirmation from the Ministry, maintaining a stance of cautious optimism.

The PP's demands encompass a broad spectrum of issues: reforming Autonomous Financing, addressing housing access, enhancing energy security, tightening border control, resolving railway infrastructure challenges, addressing healthcare workforce shortages, revising judicial reforms, and securing funding for early childhood education. The government counters that these topics were largely accepted in prior discussions, though the PP resisted the proposed agenda.

Moderate voices within the PP, such as Juan Manuel Moreno Bonilla, President of the Junta de Andalucía, emphasize adherence to procedural norms as essential for conference success. Moreno indicates that without a mutually agreed agenda, participation in the conference becomes untenable, urging governmental compliance with established protocols.

Similar sentiments were echoed by Valencia's Vice President Susana Camarero and Aragón President Jorge Azcón, who reiterated the importance of upholding procedural regulations, with Azcón highlighting the significance of the event under royal oversight.

The PP insists on the legal obligation of the government to adopt its agenda proposals, citing their majority representation in the conference. The government argues for a balanced approach, integrating suggestions from all autonomous communities. Despite prior consensus efforts, the PP remains unsatisfied with the outcome.

As the situation unfolds, PP's leadership has sanctioned the potential withdrawal from the conference, with Feijóo framing the government's refusal to accept their agenda demands as an illegitimate act. He accuses President Sánchez of potential legal violations, asserting PP's commitment to lawful processes, and leaving the possibility of non-participation looming over Friday's scheduled meeting in Barcelona.