Andalusia’s political landscape has shifted dramatically after the regional People’s Party (PP) leader, Juan Manuel Moreno, became embroiled in a major scandal over failures in the healthcare system. Just eight months ahead of the elections, his once rock-solid position has been shaken by mismanagement and growing public discontent.
At the recent regional party congress, which was meant to be a triumph for Moreno, the mood was far from festive. Instead of confidence in victory, there was mounting tension and anxiety. The reason wasn’t just a string of managerial blunders, but also a lack of timely information about problems in healthcare facilities. The situation escalated after an incident involving a fake mammogram, presented in parliament by an opposition member. This episode became a symbol of systemic breakdowns and sparked a wave of criticism against the authorities.
On the same day the party re-elected Moreno as its leader and candidate for regional president, massive demonstrations in support of public healthcare swept across Andalusia. Organized by unions and civic groups, the rallies brought thousands of dissatisfied citizens to the streets. The main focus was Virgen del Rocío Hospital in Seville, where patients face delays in diagnosis and a shortage of specialists. In his seven years in office, Moreno has replaced four health ministers, but the problems have only worsened.
The sense of stability that the PP leader relied on has proven to be an illusion. Public frustration is growing, and the opposition is demanding explanations for the delays in medical care. In response, Moreno’s team admits mistakes, issues an apology, and promises urgent measures. However, no new appointments have followed—there simply aren’t enough professionals or incentives to attract them.
Political fallout and new challenges
Public trust in the authorities is eroding further. Despite attempts to maintain the image of a moderate and reliable politician, Moreno is facing mounting pressure from both his opponents and within his own party. The only political force gaining momentum amid the crisis is the far-right Vox party. Their support is growing, reflecting a shift in voter sentiment and a marked trend toward radicalization.
Mobilization within the PP is intensifying: no one takes victory for granted anymore. Teams are preparing for a tough election campaign, where every mistake could be costly. Months of tense work lie ahead, and the outcome is now hard to predict.
