Feb 7 • 21:54 UTC 🇪🇸 Spain El Mundo

The rise of Abascal makes Feijóo and Sánchez nervous after failing to dominate the elections in Aragon

The recent elections in Aragon revealed a significant influence of Vox and its leader Santiago Abascal, causing challenges for both PSOE and PP candidates.

The elections in Aragon on February 8th have shown the intensifying political dynamics in Spain, particularly the rising influence of the far-right party Vox and its leader Santiago Abascal. The traditional major parties, PSOE and PP, have turned their focus towards Vox in their electoral campaign, attempting to organize their strategies against its growing popularity. This shift is notably a response to the perceived weaknesses of Socialist leader Pedro Sánchez and the strengths of PP leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo, making Vox the pivotal player in this regional election. As both parties aim to consolidate their positions, they seem to have inadvertently strengthened Abascal's standing in the political landscape.

In the lead-up to the elections, the campaign's tone evolved significantly. Initially, the focus was on regional issues led by local candidates, but as the election date approached, both PSOE's and PP's narratives heavily centered on confronting Vox. This strategic shift reflects not only their perception of Vox's growing electoral strength but also their own internal struggles, especially with discontent brewing within their bases. The situation has created a fratricidal atmosphere within the left, predominantly affecting Podemos, which faces risks of significant loss in the region, while the Chunta is experiencing a resurgence, further complicating the left's position in Aragon.

The Aragon elections serve as a microcosm of the broader national political landscape, where regional dynamics are increasingly intertwined with national narratives. As the competition intensifies, especially against a backdrop of Abascal's rising profile, both Sánchez and Feijóo are navigating a precarious balance of power, aiming to reclaim their narratives and prevent further erosion of their support in the face of Vox's ascendancy. This competition underscores the shifting tides in Spanish politics, with implications for future electoral battles.

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