Spanish PP Re-Engages with Vox in Bid to Form Regional Governments
Madrid, Spain – Negotiations between Spain’s conservative People’s Party (PP) and the far-right Vox party have been revived in the regions of Extremadura and Aragon, PP leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo announced Monday. The renewed talks follow a “long call” Sunday between Feijóo and Vox leader Santiago Abascal, signaling a potential path forward after weeks of stalled discussions.
The PP, under increasing pressure to avoid repeat elections, has taken greater control of the negotiations, according to reports. Feijóo stated the party has established a “framework document” outlining the parameters for any potential agreement, emphasizing respect for the outcome of recent elections. While the PP achieved strong results in both regions, it fell short of an absolute majority, necessitating a coalition to govern.
“We need a stable agreement with Vox,” Feijóo said in an interview with Onda Cero radio, adding that the PP is committed to upholding the results of the ballot.
The move comes after Vox reportedly ceased responding to calls from the PP in Extremadura, despite public appeals from regional PP President María Guardiola. A similar silence had descended upon negotiations in Aragon.
Feijóo placed the onus on Vox to demonstrate its priorities, questioning whether the party is more interested in preventing a PP government than in ousting the current national government led by Pedro Sánchez.
The PP has approved a document outlining its negotiating positions, aiming to respect the proportionality of the election results. According to the PP, this framework will guide discussions and ensure any agreement aligns with national party positions.
Despite the renewed engagement, Feijóo reiterated a previous commitment not to govern with Vox, stating his preference for a single-party government. However, he clarified that this position does not constitute a firm “red line.” He also noted that Vox had formally withdrawn a prior demand to be included in all regional governments as a precondition for support.
PP Vice-Secretary for Institutional Regeneration, Cuca Gamarra, confirmed Monday that the national party leadership is now directly involved in the negotiations, aiming to facilitate an agreement and ensure coherence with national party objectives. “We will not remain impassive in the face of repeat elections,” she stated.
The PP’s framework document also outlines policy priorities including increased housing construction, combating illegal squatting, and addressing concerns about public safety. It also expresses opposition to climate policies perceived as detrimental to employment and industry, advocating for a diversified energy mix including nuclear power.