Spain has entered a new phase in the political struggle for stability in regional governments. Negotiations between the Partido Popular (PP) and Vox have taken on special significance for the residents of Extremadura and Aragón, where the outcome will determine who governs these regions and what decisions are made on key issues such as social support and education. According to Ale Espanol, PP leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo held a lengthy phone conversation with Vox chief Santiago Abascal—an unexpected move amid the prolonged disagreements between the parties.
The core of the negotiations is that the PP is willing to consider some of Vox’s proposals for social and educational programs, but only if their coalition partners agree to support the annual budget initiatives. This stance could set a new standard for coalition building in Spanish regions, where no single party secures an absolute majority. Feijóo emphasizes that for the PP, the main priority remains changing the political course and removing the current Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez, from office. However, much now depends on Vox’s position.
Terms for an agreement
In an interview with Onda Cero radio, Feijóo stated that the PP has prepared a basic negotiation document, developed since the elections in Extremadura last December. This document outlines the main areas of potential cooperation with Vox, including a commitment to approve budgets annually and coordinate key social initiatives. According to Feijóo, this format will help ensure stable governance and prevent the political crises that have become common in Spanish autonomous communities in recent years.
A significant turning point came after a phone conversation with Abascal and subsequent statements from Vox representatives, particularly the party’s secretary Ignacio Garriga, raising real prospects for a compromise. Now the focus shifts to how Vox will respond to the PP’s proposal and whether the party is willing to support the annual approval of budgets in exchange for having its initiatives included in public support programs.
Regional impact
For residents of Extremadura and Aragon, the outcome of these negotiations could mean not only a change in political direction, but also the introduction of new measures to support families, modifications to education policy, and a redistribution of budget funds. At a time when the economic situation in the regions remains tense and trust in the central government is declining, any steps towards strengthening coalitions and ensuring stability are seen as an opportunity to improve daily life.
In this context, it’s worth recalling how Vox has already demonstrated its strategy of gaining support in small towns and rural areas. For example, a recent article provided an in-depth analysis of why residents of the heartland are increasingly opting for change and how Abascal’s personal involvement influences voters’ sentiments. Read more about this in the publication about Vox’s regional strategy.
Political background
The situation surrounding the negotiations between PP and Vox reflects a broader trend in Spanish politics in recent years. Following a series of elections and frequent coalition changes, parties are increasingly compelled to seek compromises to avoid deadlocks in regional parliaments. In 2025, similar negotiations had already resulted in unexpected alliances in other autonomous communities, where none of the parties managed to secure a strong enough majority to govern alone.
In recent years, Spain has seen a growing number of cases where forming a government drags on for months due to difficult negotiations between parties. This leads to delays in making important decisions, including those regarding the budget, social support, and education. As a result, residents of the regions become hostages to political maneuvering, and stable governance is becoming a rarity.
Overall, the current negotiations between PP and Vox could serve as an example for other regions where coalition governments also need to be formed. The outcome of these discussions will reveal how willing Spanish parties are to make compromises for the sake of stability and citizens’ interests.
