Spain's Socialists Lose Ground as Far-Right Vox Makes Gains in Extremadura Regional Election
In the recent regional election in Extremadura, Spain's political landscape shifted significantly as the far-right party Vox doubled its seats from 5 to 11. This notable increase highlights the party's growing influence in the region, particularly among men aged 35 to 54, with Vox presenting itself as a clean alternative, having never governed before.
Meanwhile, the Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE) suffered a considerable loss, shedding 10 of its 28 seats and losing approximately 108,000 votes amid low voter turnout. Corruption allegations have further overshadowed PSOE's campaign, with candidates such as Miguel Ángel Gallardo facing trial for influence-peddling and abuse of office related to a job for the prime minister’s brother. Additionally, Santos Cerdán and José Luis Ábalos are accused of accepting kickbacks, allegations they deny.
The People's Party (PP), led in the region by María Guardiola, won the election but fell four seats short of an absolute majority, obtaining 33 seats. This outcome keeps Vox as a potential and necessary coalition partner for the PP. However, in territories where PP governs in coalition with Vox, Vox has been described as fractious and unreliable, presenting challenges for the center-ground support.
On the left, Unidas por Extremadura (UxE), affiliated with the Sumar platform, improved its standing by increasing its seats from 4 to 7, thereby strengthening the left-wing bloc in the region.
Compounding Vox's controversies, its youth wing, Revuelta, faces legal charges related to the mishandling of funds raised for the victims of the October 2024 floods in Valencia. The complex dynamics of coalition possibilities and ongoing legal issues contribute to an evolving and contentious political environment in Extremadura.
