The political year in Extremadura is coming to a close, with early elections for the regional parliament scheduled for December 21, 2025. More than 890,000 voters will decide who will lead the region amid fierce competition among the main parties. In the face of a challenging political landscape and the absence of a stable majority, the race for votes promises to be intense.
The early elections were called after the current regional president, María Guardiola, failed to pass the 2026 budget. As a result, several major contenders have entered the race: Partido Popular (PP), the Socialists (PSOE), as well as Vox and Unidas por Extremadura. Ten party lists are registered in Badajoz and eleven in Cáceres. The Socialists’ new leader, Miguel Ángel Gallardo, is betting on a renewed platform and fresh approaches.
Five principles
PSOE has built its campaign around the concept of CUIDA—a Spanish acronym that stands for five core values: commitment, universality, equality, dignity, and a connection to the homeland. The Socialists promise that these principles will guide all decisions if they win the election.
The focus is on strengthening healthcare, education, and other public services. The platform emphasizes caring for people, supporting the development of small towns, and protecting every resident’s rights. A central theme is “belief in the common good”—the Socialists aim to restore trust in institutions and create conditions for equal opportunity.
Combating Population Decline
One of Extremadura’s main challenges is the population decline in small towns and villages. The PSOE proposes a comprehensive plan not only to stop this trend but also to attract new residents. The measures include tax breaks for those moving to small settlements, support for remote work, and programs to renovate empty homes for new families.
A key part of the strategy is the support of so-called ‘digital nomads’—people who can work remotely and are willing to relocate to rural areas. Special conditions and tax incentives are offered for them. All these measures aim to reduce regional disparities and make life in small towns more appealing.
Youth and Employment
The issue of youth employment holds a special place in the socialists’ platform. According to the party, the youth unemployment rate in the region reaches 33%. To address this, the PSOE proposes a series of initiatives: creating new jobs in promising sectors, launching the ‘First Professional Experience’ program in state institutions, and supporting startups and small businesses through microfinancing.
The Socialists believe that only stable employment and opportunities for professional growth can keep young people in the region. To achieve this, they plan to support entrepreneurs, develop business accelerators, and provide grants for starting new businesses. Microfinancing will range from 5,000 to 25,000 euros.
Political competition
Ahead of the elections, the outlook for PSOE is challenging. Recent polls suggest that the Socialists may lose some parliamentary seats, forcing them to seek allies to form a majority. Despite this, the party insists that its platform is not just a list of promises, but a comprehensive plan to build a fair and sustainable future for Extremadura.
Miguel Ángel Gallardo, who leads the PSOE ticket, focuses on rebuilding trust in government and returning the region to the concept of solidarity. If successful, the Socialists promise not only to preserve but to expand social guarantees, as well as ensure equal conditions for all residents, regardless of where they live.
