Ahead of the snap elections in Aragon, Spaniards are closely watching how internal disagreements on the left may impact the region’s political landscape. For the first time, Izquierda Unida in Aragon is led by a woman—Marta Abengochea—and her appointment has already become a symbol of change. This coincided with fast-tracked negotiations and the formation of a coalition with Movimiento Sumar, propelling the party to the forefront during the most intense phase of the campaign.
For many residents, this election is more than just another vote—it’s a real opportunity to influence the future of public services, economic policy, and even the very structure of power. At a time when part of the left-wing electorate feels disillusioned and increasingly apathetic, the question of mobilization is crucial. Abengochea emphasizes that success will be measured not only by the number of seats but also by whether they can bring back to the polls those who stayed home last year, wary of the growing influence of the right and far-right.
Crisis of trust
In recent years, Spain has seen a steady trend of disillusionment with politics, especially among supporters of left-wing parties. The reasons lie not only in scandals involving corruption or sexual harassment, but also in a deep-seated fatigue with constant internal conflicts and the lack of a unified strategy. According to Abengochea, a significant part of the responsibility rests with the social-democratic forces who, in her view, too often compromise with the neoliberal agenda, leaving people in a state of instability and forcing them to struggle for survival on their own.
This process leads to citizens becoming alienated from the institutions that are supposed to protect them. As a result, even the most loyal voters begin to question the need to participate in elections, which may benefit opponents on the right. Internal disagreements among left-wing parties only worsen the situation, creating an impression of chaos and an inability to work together.
Economy and resources
One of the most pressing issues for the people of Aragón remains the question of privatizing public services and exploiting natural resources. According to Abengochea, the current model, focused on attracting major investment projects—above all, data centers—leads to resource depletion and does not contribute to the development of the local economy. She insists on the need to establish a moratorium on new projects of this kind and to revise the criteria for locating industrial facilities, in order to protect the interests of local residents and ensure a fair transition to environmentally sustainable energy.
An important element of the strategy, according to the Izquierda Unida leader, should be the development of a production base tailored to the real needs of the region, not the speculative interests of large corporations. Only in this way, she believes, can dignified jobs be created and the outflow of people from rural areas be stopped.
Demographics and Infrastructure
The problem of depopulation in Aragón is particularly acute. The solution, according to Abengochea, lies not only in economic incentives, but also in providing quality public services across the entire region. This includes access to education, healthcare, transport infrastructure, and support for small businesses. She emphasizes that government subsidies must be directly linked to the creation of decent jobs and the prevention of companies relocating outside the region.
The issue of funding is also a source of debate. Although the government’s proposed reform of the resource allocation system among autonomous communities is seen as a step forward, Abengochea believes it fails to account for Aragón’s specific characteristics—such as low population density, challenging terrain, and a high level of aging. She insists on the need for a guaranteed minimum income to cover the real costs of providing services before discussing the details of the reform.
Infrastructure challenges
In the field of infrastructure, according to Abengochea, there is a clear lack of investment, especially in the railway network. Instead of developing regional routes and improving accessibility, priority is given to high-speed rail projects, which she sees as a neoliberal approach typical of both conservatives and social democrats. Only a stronger left, she argues, can change this trend and bring the focus back to the needs of local communities.
Despite disagreements among left-wing parties, Abengochea emphasizes that a struggle between them is the last thing the region needs. She calls for joint efforts toward a common goal, even if political forces contest the elections separately. The main task is to prevent the left from losing further ground and to ensure maximum voter turnout so that every voice is heard.
