A new political party is emerging in Extremadura — and this time, the stakes are higher than ever. María Guardiola, the acting head of the autonomous community, has announced the start of talks with Vox. After December’s election, where Partido Popular (PP) won but failed to secure an absolute majority, the region found itself in political deadlock. Now, Guardiola is betting on dialogue with Vox not only to claim the presidency but also to negotiate key positions in the regional parliament and government.
The situation resembles a chess match, with every move potentially decisive. Vox, which doubled its representation in the Assembly from five to eleven deputies, is keeping silent and not revealing its intentions before an official invitation to talks. However, behind closed doors, it is already being discussed that the PP is prepared to offer its partners not just a role in government but also influence over forming the parliamentary Mesa — the body that sets the agenda and structure of Assembly proceedings.
Time is running out
The parties have virtually no time left to ponder. On January 20, deputies must elect a new Assembly president, which means key agreements must be reached before then. Afterward, politicians will have just 15 days to nominate a candidate for head of government, and another two weeks for confirmation debates. If no compromise is found within two months, the region will face new elections.
The PP, having secured just over 43% of the vote and 29 seats, cannot form a majority on its own — 33 votes are needed. Without the support or at least the neutrality of Vox, Guardiola risks lacking the necessary backing to pass the budget and other key legislation. The region is still governed by financial rules introduced in 2024, and revising them is impossible without a broad coalition.
Power struggle
Vox, aware of its new strength, openly states its intention to demand proportional distribution of posts and influence. Who will chair the Assembly has become a particular bargaining chip. Sources close to Guardiola say she is willing to negotiate even the most sensitive posts to prevent political paralysis in the region. However, Vox representatives are holding off on public statements for now, preferring to wait for an official invitation and concrete offers.
Within the socialist camp (PSOE), it is believed that the PP has already chosen its ally, referring to Vox as Guardiola’s ‘default partner’. The region’s left-wing groups, including Unidas por Extremadura, have raised doubts about the transparency of the talks, implying that the main agreements between PP and Vox have already been made behind closed doors. They also point out that their proposals and initiatives are being ignored, and claim the coalition process resembles a pre-written script.
Political intrigue
Domestic political tensions in Extremadura are escalating by the day. In this region, where the socialists have traditionally held strong positions, the current situation is seen as a challenge to the established order. Guardiola, despite pressure from the opposition and her own party members, shows a willingness to compromise, but openly admits that her political future is uncertain without Vox’s support.
At the same time, Vox is in no hurry to reveal its demands, preferring to keep the intrigue alive until the last moment. Behind the scenes, there is talk of securing key ministerial posts and even the position of Assembly president. However, party representatives emphasize that any agreements must meet the principle of a fair distribution of power, based on the election results.
A difficult choice
In the coming days, Extremadura faces a series of tense meetings and consultations. The outcome of these negotiations will determine not only the makeup of the future government, but also the region’s political stability for the next four years. If a compromise is not reached, the region risks plunging into a prolonged crisis and the prospect of new elections, which could further exacerbate tensions between the parties.
Right now, there is no room for error on Extremadura’s political stage. Every move, every word, and even a pause in negotiations could prove decisive for the region’s future. Whether Guardiola and Vox will manage to reach an agreement remains uncertain—and that is what truly makes the situation so gripping.
