In Extremadura, the political landscape changed dramatically after the announcement of the regional parliament’s dissolution in October. This move followed failed budget negotiations and an inability to reach consensus among the main political parties. Now, residents are preparing to return to the polls—just a year and a half after the previous election.
The snap election is scheduled for December 21, 2025. The decision to hold the campaign at year’s end took many by surprise, as political parties were caught off guard. With no side able to secure a stable majority, competition for every vote is expected to be fierce.
Causes of the crisis
The main trigger for the new election was the failure to pass the 2026 budget. Three factions—Vox, PSOE, and Unidas por Extremadura—submitted amendments and rejected the proposed draft outright. The region’s president, María Guardiola, said that the government could not function without an approved financial plan. She accused the opposition of blocking Extremadura’s development and announced the need for a renewed mandate.
Following the official dissolution of parliament, a decree was issued to call new elections. Candidate lists were finalized on November 25, and parties had only a short time prior to correct any errors. The new Assembly will have 65 deputies: 36 from Badajoz and 29 from Cáceres. An absolute majority will require 33 seats.
Campaign calendar
The election race began at exactly midnight on December 5. From that moment, parties launched active campaigning, aiming to win over as many voters as possible. The last day for mail-in voting is December 14, and the campaign will end at midnight on December 19. The main election will take place on December 21, when residents of the region will decide who will govern Extremadura in the coming years.
This time, the political scene appears especially fragmented. In addition to the traditional contenders, new coalitions and small parties are entering the race, hoping for success in specific provinces. This makes the outcome unpredictable and forming a future government a challenging task.
Main contenders
The Partido Popular (PP) has once again nominated María Guardiola, who has served as regional president since 2023 with the backing of Vox. The Socialists (PSOE) have put their hopes on Miguel Ángel Gallardo, who has recently found himself at the center of a legal case related to his work in the Badajoz administration.
Vox will be represented by Óscar Fernández Calle, the current parliamentary group leader. The left-wing alliance Unidas por Extremadura has again chosen Irene de Miguel to lead their campaign. Other groups joining the race include Juntos por Extremadura, led by Raúl González, as well as the coalition Una Extremadura Digna and Soberanía y Trabajo, whose lists are headed by Juan Viera and Óscar Pérez in Badajoz and Cáceres, respectively.
Coalition potential
Recent polls indicate that no party is expected to secure an absolute majority on its own. Projections suggest that the PP could win around 30 seats, which is not enough to form a single-party government. Once again, Vox may play a decisive role, as the formation of a coalition and the allocation of portfolios will depend on their support.
At the same time, in provinces such as Cáceres, smaller parties could unexpectedly win additional seats, making post-election negotiations more complex. The entire campaign is centered around building alliances and persuading voters of the need for stability.
Expectations and Uncertainty
Tensions remain high in Extremadura. Politicians are holding daily meetings, rallies, and debates, working to present their platforms to as many residents as possible. In a climate where voters are weary of constant conflict and power shifts, many are hoping these new elections will bring clarity and end a protracted crisis.
The coming weeks promise an intense battle, where every vote could prove decisive. The results of the December elections will determine who governs the region—and under what conditions—in the coming years.
