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Politics & Government Guide in Spain

Political system, governance structure, stability indicators, and democratic institutions

Spain is a constitutional monarchy led by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez of the Socialist Workers' Party, who has maintained power through three general elections since 2018. The government operates as a minority coalition with strong economic performance, though political stability depends on parliamentary support from smaller parties. Recent cabinet reorganization in March 2026 reflects ongoing governance adjustments within the established democratic framework.

Political Stability

Good

Corruption Index

Moderate

Democracy Index

Good

Government Type

Constitutional Monarchy

Legal System

Civil law system based on the 1978 Constitution with regional variations

Head of State

King Felipe VI(since 2014)

Head of Government

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez(Spanish Socialist Workers' Party)since 2018

Political Indicators

Political Stability
0.85Rank #28

Scale: 0-1

Stable

World Bank Political Stability Index (2024)

Corruption Index
60Rank #36

Scale: 0-100

Transparency International (2024)

Press Freedom
72.5Rank #32

Scale: 0-100

Reporters Without Borders (2024)

Democracy Index
8.07Rank #22

Scale: 0-10

Full Democracy

Economist Intelligence Unit (2024)

Legislature

Type:bicameral
Upper House:Senate (265 seats)
Lower House:Congress of Deputies (350 seats)

Major Political Parties

Spanish Socialist Workers' Party(PSOE)

Center-left

121 seats
People's Party(PP)

Center-right

137 seats
Vox(Vox)

Far-right

33 seats
Sumar(Sumar)

Left

31 seats

Voting Rights

Spanish citizens aged 18 and over have the right to vote in all elections. EU citizens resident in Spain can vote in local and European Parliament elections. Full voting rights in national elections require Spanish citizenship.

Recent Developments

  • Carlos Cuerpo appointed as First Vice-President of Government in March 2026, replacing María Jesús Montero
  • Arcadi España appointed as Finance Minister in March 2026, replacing previous minister
  • Spanish economy projected to grow 2.8% in 2025 with stabilized public debt
  • Vox returned to regional power in coalition government with People's Party in April 2026
  • PSOE-led government maintains minority coalition status with continued policy delivery focus
Voting Age18
SuffrageUniversal adult suffrage
Constitution1978
Autonomous Communities19