The leadership of Spain's People's Party, headed by Alberto Núñez Feijóo, has taken direct control of coalition negotiations with the Vox party. The new framework document, described as binding nationwide, aims to resolve the crisis in Extremadura and Aragon. Simultaneously, Vox has softened its stance, abandoning its immediate demand for entry into regional governments in favor of a joint political program.

Centralization of negotiations

The national leadership of PP takes over decision-making in the regions to ensure consistency in messaging and strategy toward Vox across all of Spain.

Budget stability requirement

The PP's framework document imposes on the coalition partner an obligation to support four consecutive budgets in each region.

Vox changes priorities

Abascal's party temporarily abandons demands for positions, focusing instead on incorporating its postulates into government programs.

Elections in Castile and León

The Central Electoral Commission approved a debate format limited to three parties, favoring the largest political blocs ahead of the March vote.

The central leadership of the People's Party (PP) has decided to abandon its previous strategy of regional autonomy in talks with Vox. The document drafted at the party headquarters on Génova Street contains ten points intended to form a uniform foundation for all future government arrangements. A key requirement from the People's Party is obtaining a guarantee from Vox to support budgets for the entire four-year term, aimed at preventing instability and potential parliamentary blackmail during governance. This change comes at a critical moment for María Guardiola and Jorge Azcón, PP candidates in Extremadura and Aragon respectively, whose investiture processes have reached a deadlock. Meanwhile, Vox, represented by Secretary General Ignacio Garriga, announced a "reset" of negotiations. Santiago Abascal's party agrees to prioritize programmatic demands, such as tax cuts and bureaucracy reduction, while sidelining discussions about specific ministerial position allocations. Relations between PP and Vox have remained tense since both parties entered the first joint regional government in Castile and León in 2022, considered a breakthrough in Spanish politics after a period dominated by two mainstream parties. In the background of coalition talks, a campaign is underway ahead of elections in Castile and León scheduled for March 15. The Central Electoral Commission has already confirmed that only representatives from PP, PSOE, and Vox will participate in televised debates, rejecting complaints from smaller left-wing and regional parties. „Nadie quiere una repetición electoral, ahora bien no contemplo traicionar nuestros votos.” (No one wants a repeat election, but I do not contemplate betraying our votes.) — Santiago Abascal Both Feijóo and Abascal aim to avoid a repeat election, which could be perceived negatively by right-wing voters. The new agreement also includes opposition to climate policy, which both sides claim destroys jobs and increases energy costs.

Mentioned People

  • Alberto Núñez Feijóo — Leader of Spain's People's Party, initiator of the framework document concerning pacts with Vox.
  • Santiago Abascal — Chairman of the Vox party, negotiating terms of support for PP's regional governments.
  • María Guardiola — PP candidate for president of Extremadura, whose talks with Vox had previously reached an impasse.
  • Cuca Gamarra — Deputy Secretary of the People's Party, confirmed the national directorate's involvement in negotiations.