Where Is Vice President María Jesús Montero?

The First Vice President and Minister of Finance, María Jesús Montero, has been absent at key moments in the debate on the taxation of the Minimum Interprofessional Wage in the IRPF.

Her last public appearance was on Monday in Carboneras, Almería, in front of a hotel in an irregular situation. Since then, she hasn't participated in the first control session of the Government in Congress nor does she have any public agenda scheduled.

This absence has caused discomfort in sectors of the Council of Ministers. Especially in Sumar, who believe that Montero should explain why, for the first time, recipients of the SMI will have to pay IRPF.

Montero's team has claimed that the minister is ill, which prevents her from responding to the press about the taxation of the SMI. This measure has caused tensions between the PSOE and Sumar within the Council of Ministers. Sources from Sumar have ironically commented on Montero's absence, noting that they recently saw her in good condition.

The decision for the SMI to pay IRPF will contribute around 2 billion euros to the public coffers. Some in Sumar believe that, given that Finance is collecting at record levels, this measure was not necessary. They also point out that Andalusians, who receive the SMI the most, could be especially affected, which could have political implications for Montero in her region.

The Government has clarified that it doesn't plan to rectify the taxation of the SMI, despite the bills registered by various parliamentary groups.

From the PP to Sumar, including Podemos, ERC, and the BNG. Sumar believes there is room to reach an agreement within the Council of Ministers. But they are willing to ally with the right if necessary.

The relationship between Yolanda Díaz and the PSOE has deteriorated in recent months, with clashes that have bordered on the personal. Despite the tensions, sources from Sumar clarify that Díaz has no intention of breaking the coalition, as being outside the Government wouldn't allow her to easily compete with Podemos.

Amid this context, María Jesús Montero's absence at key moments in the debate on the taxation of the SMI has caused tensions within the Government. Her eventual reappearance and the explanations she provides will be crucial to clarify her position and the direction of this fiscal measure.

The current situation reflects the internal complexities of the coalition government and the difficulties in communicating and justifying decisions that directly affect a significant part of the Spanish population. Managing these tensions and clarity in communication will be essential to maintain cohesion and trust both within the Executive and among the citizenry.