The Spanish Parliament in the parliamentary speeches of Fernández Albor, González Laxe, Fraga Iribarne, Pérez Touriño and Núñez Feijoo

Abstract

This article analyzes the perspective on the Spanish Parliament (Cortes Generales) in the speeches of regional presidents (1981–2012): Fernández Albor, González Laxe, Fraga Iribarne, Pérez Touriño, and Núñez Feijóo. Through a systematic analysis of their parliamentary speeches, the study examines how these leaders have conceived of the role of the national legislature in the construction of the autonomous state.

The results reveal an evolution from Albor’s initial institutional respect and demand for greater powers to more complex proposals for cooperative federalism and institutional loyalty. A critical point of convergence is the reform of the Senate; all five presidents agree on the need to transform it into a true chamber of territorial representation that transcends its current secondary role. Likewise, the study analyzes the constant demands for clarification of the financing model (LOFCA), regional participation in state legislation, and respect for regional distinctiveness within the constitutional framework.

In conclusion, the speeches reflect that the vision of the presidents—some of whom are also key figures in the sessions of the Spanish Parliament—has not been limited to regional governance, but has sought to actively influence the architecture of Spanish parliamentarism, advocating a model of multilateral dialogue and cooperation that guarantees territorial equality and solidarity within the context of European integration.