The Spanish Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez, is going to have a rather gloomy Christmas after his ruling Socialist party suffered a heavy defeat in Sunday’s regional election in Extremadura, slumping to their worst-ever result. The far-right party Vox made strong gains, dealing another blow to Sánchez’s PSOE amid mounting corruption and misconduct allegations.
Vox has been on the brink on breaking into the mainstream and it would appear that on the back of Sunday’s results, the party has thrown down the gauntlet. Vox, which went from five to 11 seats, is now going to be crucial for the centre right Partido Popular to pass legislation.
The PP called the early election hoping to get a majority and although they came out on top again with 29 seats, they fell short and will now have to look to Vox. This is, however, a similar situation in a number regions across Spain, including the Balearics, where the PP failed to secure a majority and need the backing from Vox.
Trouble is, as Vox has gained more and more support, it has become increasingly stubborn as a party and doesn’t always tow the PP’s line. Vox does not like playing second fiddle, it wants to be the conductor and if the party, which has huge support from young voters, is able to continue gaining ground, not only does the Socialist party have a serious problem so too does the PP.
The Balearic government has been under pressure to call early elections but for the moment it has ruled any such move out. But tactics are playing a big role and the party bosses in Madrid may force Palma’s hand.