Vox's Surge Threatens Partido Popular's Dominance in Spanish Right-Wing Politics

In the recent regional elections in Extremadura, despite the Partido Popular (PP) securing victory, Vox emerged as the clear winner with a significant surge in support. María Guardiola of the PP improved her vote percentage and gained one seat but lost 8,000 votes in absolute terms. Conversely, Vox, led by Santiago Abascal, gained 40,000 votes and six additional seats, complicating PP's prospects of forming government without negotiations or relying on PSOE abstention.

Vox has solidified its position as the third political force in multiple regions and even surpassed PSOE in several municipalities within Extremadura. This shift has heightened tensions between the traditional right-wing PP and the far-right Vox.

Journalist Fernando Berlín cautioned that Vox's rise poses a serious threat to the PP, stating, "At this rate, Vox is going to 'devour' the PP," which could have dire consequences for the party nationwide. Berlín also noted a change in the PP's stance towards Vox, which has shifted from tolerance to open criticism, signaling growing intra-right friction.

This evolving dynamic suggests that the PP might increasingly depend on Vox's support or face challenges to its leading role on the right. The electoral gains of Vox mark a transformative moment in Spanish right-wing politics, reshaping alliances and power balances following the Extremadura elections.