In the final sprint of the Castilla y León election campaign, former Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero has revisited his notable decision to withdraw Spanish troops from Iraq shortly after assuming office in 2004. Speaking at a rally in Segovia, he reflected on this action, expressing a sense of peace and satisfaction with his choice. This move is strategically aimed at mobilizing the leftist base of the PSOE as they approach crucial regional elections, reminding voters of a pivotal moment that aligned with their values.

During the same event, Zapatero highlighted the contrast between the socialist ideals and the recent political stance of the popular PP party and the far-right Vox. He criticized Vox’s proposals for 'mass deportations' of irregular immigrants, suggesting that their approach displays a lack of bravery and compassion towards migrants. By juxtaposing these two political parties against his own, Zapatero attempts to frame the PSOE as a more humane and principled option for voters who care about immigration and human rights issues.

As elections approach, the PSOE is making a concerted effort to connect Zapatero's legacy to current campaign themes, especially among progressive voters who may feel disillusioned. Zapatero's message, resonant with themes of peace and international responsibility, aims to reinvigorate support and encourage voter turnout among those who resonate with his policies from two decades ago. This strategy underlines the broader trend in Spanish politics, where historical context is often leveraged to influence contemporary electoral decisions.