Tensions are rising in Spanish politics: the Partido Popular (PP) abruptly shifted its stance toward Vox just one week after striking a deal to support the new president of the Valencian Community. PP leaders are now openly expressing dissatisfaction with their recent allies, especially following Vox’s absence from key state events. Alberto Núñez Feijóo did not hold back, stating that Vox is ‘playing with very dangerous things’ and is essentially shirking its parliamentary duties.
Feijóo emphasized that lawmakers cannot be both inside and outside the system at the same time, and posed the rhetorical question: is it possible to be a deputy without swearing allegiance to the Constitution? In his view, even the government’s harshest critics are obligated to participate in parliamentary sessions and state their positions openly, rather than boycotting official events. Other PP figures joined the criticism, including Murcia’s president Fernando López Miras, who called Vox’s absence a mistake.
Escalating tensions
The escalation of tensions between the PP and Vox is linked not only to the upcoming elections in several autonomous communities, but also to internal dissatisfaction within the Popular Party itself. Many party leaders believe the agreement with Vox in Valencia was overly accommodating and demonstrated PP’s weakness, particularly in backing away from European environmental initiatives and tightening migration policy. Some regional leaders are convinced that the party needs to take a tougher stance to avoid losing momentum.
Further irritation was caused by a recent statement from Vox leader Santiago Abascal, who suggested excluding PP candidate María Guardiola from forming the government in Extremadura even if she wins. Feijóo responded sharply, calling such proposals absurd and stressing that the election winner should have the right to form a government. Nevertheless, within the PP there is understanding that Vox intends to raise the stakes in future negotiations, especially in Extremadura, where the situation remains uncertain.
Internal Party Discord
In the corridors of parliament, some PP representatives stated they are unwilling to make concessions to reach an agreement with Vox, even if it leads to repeat elections. Tensions are also running high in Aragón: due to disagreements over the budget, the region could become the fourth to hold early elections. Regional head Jorge Azcón has already warned that if a compromise isn’t reached within the coming week, new elections will have to be called. Consequently, after Extremadura, Aragón could become the next battleground for political struggle in February.
Amid the election campaign, the PP has also shifted its stance toward Junts. After several weeks of trying to engage with the Catalan separatists, Feijóo suddenly launched a scathing attack on Carles Puigdemont, accusing him of being ‘a napkin in Sánchez’s hand.’ Nevertheless, the PP leader remains confident that, sooner or later, he will lead the government—even if this happens only after the current term of Pedro Sánchez ends. Feijóo is already making plans to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Constitution, though that milestone is still three years away.
The Valencian crisis
Problems in Valencia are far from resolved. New details about the flawed response to the natural disaster continue to emerge, including reports indicating that regional head Carlos Mazón and his team were aware of the gravity of the situation early in the day. Feijóo is forced to answer difficult questions but tries to distance himself from the scandal, stating that the party has ‘definitively turned the page.’
The question of leadership change in the regional PP branch also remains unresolved. Mazón still holds the position of party chair in Valencia, but the PP hopes to complete the transfer of authority by the end of the year. According to unofficial sources, the new leader may be Juanfran Pérez Llorca, possibly appointed without a congress—approval from the party’s executive board would be sufficient.
If you weren’t aware, Alberto Núñez Feijóo is one of the most influential politicians in modern Spain, leading the Partido Popular since 2022. His career began in Galicia, where he served as regional president for many years. Feijóo is known for his pragmatism and ability to navigate between various political forces. In recent years, he has become a key figure in opposing Pedro Sánchez’s government and is actively involved in forming coalitions at the regional level. His decisions often spark lively debate in Spanish society.
