Ahead of the regional elections in Aragón, the political scene has come under the spotlight following statements by María Goikoetxea, the Podemos candidate. Her stance on the ‘useful’ vote and her pledge to implement every point in the party’s manifesto have sparked lively debate among voters and experts. For local residents, this is more than just another campaign—the future of fundamental rights, access to housing, and the protection of public resources are at stake.
Goikoetxea emphasizes that today’s political climate demands more than just a change of faces; it calls for a fundamental shift in the approach to governance. According to her, alternative programs backed by Partido Popular (PP) and Vox lead to privatization and a decline in quality of life. In contrast, Podemos is advocating for stronger social protections, environmental safeguards, and a greater state role in key areas.
A bet on change
The candidate points out that for Podemos, these elections are a chance to restore the influence of the left and prove their ability to achieve real transformation. Unlike other parties, Goikoetxea insists that her team will not stray from their stated goals, even if it means going against the current. She cites as an example the recent initiative to legalize a large number of immigrants, which was made possible by pressure from civil society and the party’s persistence.
The issue of the ‘useful’ vote has become one of the most discussed topics of the campaign. According to Goikoetxea, a vote is truly useful only when it leads to tangible changes. She urges voters not to fall for calls for tactical voting unless these are backed by a real action plan.
Challenges for the region
The key points in Podemos’ election program are affordable housing and support for rural areas. Goikoetxea insists on the need for strict rent control and investment in restoring homes in small towns. In her view, only this approach can stop population loss and create real opportunities for regional development.
In education, the party opposes the expansion of private schools and insists on prioritizing the public system. Goikoetxea believes that any attempts to increase funding for private educational institutions do not address the root of the problem but rather reflect the ideological preferences of certain politicians. She emphasizes that the infrastructure of public schools must be protected and developed as a top priority.
Demography and infrastructure
The problem of depopulation remains one of the most pressing issues for Aragón. Goicoechea is convinced: without guaranteed access to medical and educational services in rural areas, it is impossible to halt this process. Instead of large-scale renewable energy projects, which in her view do not always benefit local residents, she proposes focusing on sustainable development and creating jobs directly within municipalities.
A key point in the program is also the issue of reforming regional financing. Goicoechea criticizes the current system, where regions are forced to compete for resources, and insists it is necessary to establish a minimum level of funding for all territories. She emphasizes that these funds must be protected by law and directed exclusively towards maintaining public services.
Political alliances
Goicoechea does not rule out cooperation with other left-wing forces, such as PSOE, CHA, and IU, but stresses: Podemos’s support does not mean automatic agreement to any coalition. The party will insist on fulfilling its key initiatives and is not ready to compromise if it goes against the interests of citizens.
With polls predicting less than stellar results for Podemos, Goikoetxea is focusing on mobilizing supporters and highlighting the uniqueness of her platform. She believes that only a consistent and principled stance can restore voter trust and transform the region’s political landscape.
