In today’s special edition, we analyse the outcome of the Galicia regional elections and how it will shape Spanish politics in the future. Enjoy!
Galicia Election Results: Implications for European Political Future
In a closely watched election, Spain’s north-western region of Galicia recently headed to the polls. The outcome has significant implications for both regional and national politics. Let’s delve into the results and the underlying trends that shaped this electoral contest.
The PP’s Resilience: Spain’s opposition conservative People’s Party (PP) has defied expectations by retaining its absolute majority in Galicia. Despite predictions that it might lose control after 35 years of governance, the PP secured a strong mandate, winning 40 seats – only two fewer than in the previous election. This victory bolsters the standing of party leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo, a former head of the regional government.
Socialists’ Setback: While the PP celebrated, it was a challenging day for the socialists. They lost five seats, with voters shifting their support to the Galician Nationalist Bloc (BNG). The BNG increased its representation from 19 to 25 seats, signalling a growing nationalist sentiment in the region. Notably, neither the left-wing Unite nor the far-right Vox party managed to secure a single seat.
Broadening the Agenda: Interestingly, the election highlighted a trend among Spain’s nationalist parties. The Galician Nationalist Bloc’s improved performance reflects a strategic shift. Parties like EH Bildu in the Basque Country increasingly focus on social issues such as housing, unemployment, and youth emigration alongside their traditional sovereignty agenda. This broader approach resonated with voters, especially in urban areas like Vigo, where the BNG outperformed the PP and the Socialists. While in the remaining 7 cities and provinces, the PP won, sometimes, like in La Coruña province, leading with more than 30% over the BNG.
Challenges for Unite and Vox: The election result also challenges the left-wing umbrella group Unite, led by native Galician Yolanda Díaz, and the far-right party Vox. While dissatisfaction in rural areas was palpable, neither party converted it into electoral gains. Unite’s struggle and Vox’s failure underscore the complexity of Galician politics and the need for nuanced strategies.
The Galicia election outcome reflects a dynamic political landscape where traditional loyalties intersect with evolving priorities.
Looking Ahead to the European Elections: As we analyse regional elections, it’s essential to consider the broader context. The upcoming European Parliament elections are crucial, and they promise to shape the future of the European Union. Recent polling suggests that populist “anti-European” parties are gaining ground, potentially shifting the parliament’s balance to the right. However, there’s also a concerted effort to address the so-called democratic deficit at the European level and enhance trust in the electoral process. National and regional parliaments play a vital role in mobilising citizens to vote, engaging them in EU matters, and showcasing the impact of parliamentary decisions on their daily lives. Amid geopolitical struggles and misinformation, the EU’s visibility has increased, leading to expectations of higher voter turnout in 2024.
In this complex political landscape, both right-wing and left-wing extremists face challenges. While some nationalist parties have dropped plans to follow Britain out of the EU, others continue to gain traction. As Europeans head to the polls, these last elections show a trend where far right and far left are losing support, not being able to attract votes going to the centrist parties, which are back to their historical positions.
Next will be the Italian regional election in Sardinia. Will the far right and far left also be defeated there?
