Juan Manuel Moreno begins his third term as Andalusia's president, now leading a coalition with Vox. The far-right party enters the regional government for the first time since the Franco era. The ceremony marks a discreet shift in local politics.
Juan Manuel Moreno officially assumed office as president of the Junta de Andalucía this morning, marking the start of his third term at the helm of the region. The ceremony, held at the Palacio de San Telmo before 300 guests, comes just days after Moreno secured his investiture in Parliament with the decisive backing of Vox. For the first time since the Franco era, the far-right will hold a vice presidency and participate directly in the Andalusian government.
The investiture was made possible by Vox's 15 votes, following a coalition agreement that saw Moreno accept the party's main ideological demands. This pact, signed last Thursday, ensures Vox's entry into the executive with a vice presidency and influence over key policy areas. The event itself was notably more subdued than four years ago, when Moreno's inauguration took place outside the palace in a larger, more public ceremony designed to emphasize the significance of his leadership. This year, the proceedings moved to the palace's inner gardens, reflecting a more discreet approach amid the political shift.
Moreno's Partido Popular lost its absolute majority in the May 17 elections, falling short by just two seats. This forced the regional leader to negotiate with Vox, a party he had previously distanced himself from, resulting in a coalition government. The inclusion of the far-right in the Andalusian executive marks a significant departure from previous administrations and has drawn national attention. The new government structure will feature additional vice presidencies to prevent Vox from assuming full control in Moreno's absence, and the number of ministries is expected to remain at thirteen.
Attention now turns to the composition of the new cabinet. Manuel Gavira, Vox's leader in Andalusia, will serve as vice president overseeing Tourism, Deregulation, Justice, and Local Administration. The full list of ministers is yet to be announced, but Moreno has confirmed that the expanded leadership is intended to balance power within the coalition. This development echoes broader concerns about the far-right's growing influence in Spanish politics, a topic also highlighted when Junts called for a change in PSOE leadership to prevent a similar shift at the national level, as discussed in this related report.
Andalusia, Spain's most populous region, has historically played a pivotal role in national politics. The entry of Vox into the regional government signals a new chapter, reflecting broader trends seen across Europe where far-right parties have gained ground in coalition arrangements. The Palacio de San Telmo, a baroque landmark in Seville, has served as the seat of the Andalusian government since 1989 and is often the stage for key political milestones. As the new administration takes shape, observers will be watching closely to see how the coalition navigates policy differences and public expectations in the months ahead.
