Pre-election debates are scheduled for December 18 in Extremadura, but the current regional leader, María Guardiola of the Partido Popular (PP), will not participate. The organizers invited all key candidates; however, Guardiola declined to appear on air and proposed another party representative in her place. Other political groups running in the election did not agree to this substitution, insisting on the personal presence of each party leader.
As a result, only three candidates will meet in the studio: Miguel Ángel Gallardo from the Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party (PSOE), Óscar Fernández Calle from Vox, and Irene de Miguel from Unidas por Extremadura. The event will take place at the RTVE regional center in Mérida and will be broadcast across several platforms: Canal 24 horas, TVE Internacional, Radio 5, RTVE Play, RTVE.es, and also on La 1 for local viewers.
Format and details
The debate will last 75 minutes and be divided into three thematic blocks: economy, social policy, and possible coalition agreements. Each contestant will have the opportunity to present their position on the most pressing issues facing the people of Extremadura. The event will be moderated by journalist Xabier Fortes, known for his experience in leading political discussions.
During preparations for the broadcast, representatives of four parliamentary parties in the region met in Mérida to agree on the terms. The Partido Popular insisted on having its representative participate instead of Guardiola, but the other participants found this unacceptable. As a result, it was decided to hold the debate without the PP leader if she does not change her stance.
Parties’ response
The position of the Partido Popular caused a mixed reaction among its political opponents. Representatives of PSOE, Vox, and Unidas por Extremadura emphasized the importance of leaders personally taking part in public debates, especially ahead of the elections. They expressed their willingness to discuss the region’s key issues as a trio if Guardiola does not appear in the studio.
RTVE, in turn, left the door open for Guardiola to join the debate at any point before the broadcast. Organizers said they were ready to promptly adjust the format if the PP leader decided to participate in person. However, at the time of publication, there had been no change in the position of the Partido Popular.
Broadcast and expectations
The debate will be available to a wide audience thanks to broadcasts on several television channels and online platforms. Residents of Extremadura will be able to follow the discussion both on TV and online. The debate is expected to address the most pressing issues facing the region, including economic challenges, social support, and possible political alliances after the elections.
The absence of María Guardiola from the broadcast may impact the Popular Party’s image among voters. Political analysts note that direct participation by party leaders in debates has traditionally been seen as a crucial element of election campaigns, capable of shifting the balance of power in the final days before the vote.
In case you didn’t know, María Guardiola has served as president of the autonomous community of Extremadura since 2023 and is one of the most prominent figures in regional politics. The Popular Party, which she leads, has traditionally been among Spain’s leading political forces. RTVE—the national public broadcaster—regularly organizes debates and other major political events in the country.
