Conservative Party Wins in Andalusia but Must Team Up With Far‑Right

The People’s Party won the Andalusian election but did not get a clear majority. Because of this, it needs support from the far‑right Vox party to govern. The vote was held in Spain’s biggest region and is a preview of the national election next year. Both parties hope to replace Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who has led a left‑wing government for nine years. Key local issues were health care gaps, drug smuggling and high unemployment. The PP received 53 of the 109 seats, down from 58 in 2022 and one seat short of an outright majority. The Socialists lost two seats, ending with 28 – their worst result in a region they once dominated. Vox gained one seat, now holding 15 seats. Other left‑leaning groups also changed:Adelante Andalucia jumped from 2 to 8 seats, while Por Andalucia kept its 5 seats. PP leader Juanma Moreno said the results were a setback and that they had promised a moderate government without Vox. He noted that similar coalitions have already been formed in Extremadura and Aragon, and more may follow. Maria Jesus Montero, the Socialist candidate and former Budget Minister, accepted the loss and promised learning from mistakes. Andalusia was a Socialist stronghold until 2018, when anger against the establishment helped Vox rise. This election marks the first time the PP has formally agreed with Vox to stay in power, a deal that ended when the PP gained an absolute majority in 2022.