'Trump Effect', useful vote, 'electoral high tide': in search of the reason behind Vox's half success this 15-M
Experts analyze the mixed electoral results for Vox in Castilla y León, highlighting both growth and setbacks against the opposition.
The electoral results from the recent 15-M elections in Castilla y León have prompted a detailed analysis from five specialists in electoral data and far-right politics regarding the performance of the Vox party, led by Santiago Abascal. Despite growing in electoral support, the party did not reach the anticipated 20% benchmark, primarily due to disappointing outcomes in urban areas. The analysis points to various factors that could explain this complex situation, including the so-called 'Trump Effect' and the concept of 'useful voting', which refers to voters opting for one party to prevent another from winning.
Vox's performance can be viewed through different lenses. On one hand, it has managed to grow in all three elections since December, marking its rise as a notable development in Spanish politics. On the other hand, it faces challenges, such as the fact that its growth is not enough to overshadow the increasing strength of the People's Party (PP) and its performance dips in major cities. The nuanced interpretation of these results suggests that Vox's supporters may be feeling both optimistic and disappointed, leading to a divided narrative regarding the party's election night success or failure.
Political scientist Eduardo Bayón and others involved in the analysis emphasize that while the results have certain positives, there lies a pervasive sense of underachievement within Vox. The mixed outcomes place the party in a delicate position going forward as it must reconcile its growth trajectory while addressing its limitations in urban voter engagement. This ongoing examination of Vox's performance is crucial as it reflects broader trends in Spanish politics, where the far-right's appeal continues to face significant hurdles against traditional parties like the PP.