During a session in Spain’s national parliament on Wednesday, Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez described the PP-Vox pact in Extremadura as “a blow to the constitution.”
The far-right Vox party in Spain re-entered the regional government of Extremadura on Wednesday after striking a pact with the conservative Popular Party (PP), revitalizing their alliance ahead of a general election expected in 2027.
ADVERTISEMENT 
ADVERTISEMENT
In Spain’s decentralized political system, regions hold substantial authority over critical sectors such as health and education, which makes Extremadura’s government a significant indicator for the national elections.
Vox exited five regional governments in 2024 where it previously governed in coalition with the PP, including Extremadura, due to a disagreement over the handling of unaccompanied migrant minors.
Maria Guardiola of the PP was re-elected as the leader of Extremadura’s government on Wednesday with backing from Vox, achieving 40 votes in favor and 25 opposed in the regional parliament.
Shortly afterwards, she took office and was welcomed by Vox’s regional leader, Óscar Fernández, who will act as her deputy within the new coalition administration.
The pact between both parties features several initiatives aimed at imposing stricter immigration policies.
It emphasizes that «aid, subsidies and public benefits» should be given priority to individuals with what they term a «real, lasting and verifiable connection to the territory.»
During the parliamentary debate on Wednesday, Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez condemned the PP-Vox pact in Extremadura as “a kick to the constitution.”
He argued that the agreement incorporates discriminatory criteria in the provision of public services and benefits, thereby compromising equal treatment of citizens.
The PP and Vox are also in talks to establish coalition governments in Aragon and Castile and Leon, regions that, alongside Extremadura, recently underwent regional elections.
The results of this revived coalition effort will likely attract significant attention from voters as the next national election approaches, which Sánchez must call by mid-2027.
Polls mostly indicate that the PP would secure victory but would require Vox’s backing to form a parliamentary majority in Spain’s increasingly fragmented legislature.
Additional sources • AFP