A euphoric Vox prepares to harden its demands on the PP due to its rise
Vox has emerged as the major winner in the recent Aragonese elections, significantly increasing its seats and political leverage over the PP.
Vox has celebrated a substantial victory in the recent regional elections in Aragon, greatly increasing its presence in the local assembly from seven to fourteen seats, and raising its overall vote share from 11.2% to 17.8%. This growth represents over 40,000 additional votes for the far-right party, marking a pivotal moment in Spanish politics, especially for the Conservative People's Party (PP). Santiago Abascal, the leader of Vox, is now positioned to impose stricter conditions on the PP, leveraging their increased power to dictate policy directions.
The results have further complicated the position of the PP, led by Jorge Azcón, who had hoped to reduce Vox's influence by calling for early elections. Instead, they have ended up in a more precarious situation, losing two seats while Vox gained seven. This situation exacerbates the existing dependence of the PP on Vox for governance, which raises concerns about a potential hardening of policy stances that may shift the political landscape further to the right.
As Vox continues to gain momentum, the implications on future coalitions and governance in Spain could be significant, especially considering Abascal's clear message to the PP: change their policies in order to maintain Vox's support, or risk cooperating with the Socialist Party (PSOE). This electoral result not only enhances Vox's bargaining power but also reshapes the dynamics of political negotiations in Aragon and beyond, hinting at possible shifts in national policies and alliances in the legislature, as parties navigate the new landscape following these elections.