Spain: Shocking Blow to Socialist Sánchez in Andalusia
Pedro Sánchez’s Socialists suffered a historic defeat in Andalusia’s regional vote, signaling a rightward shift as the PP won most seats but lacks a majority, hinting at a possible coalition with VOX.
Andalusia, Spain’s most populous autonomous community and a traditional left-wing stronghold for nearly four decades, is now steadily shifting to the right. The Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party (PSOE) received just 22.7% of the vote and secured 28 seats in the 109-seat parliament, down from the 30 seats they won in 2022.
The Socialist candidate, María Jesús Montero, former Finance Minister and close ally of the Prime Minister, took responsibility for the result. “We take note,” she said, adding that her party would perform opposition duties from its new position.
The People’s Party (PP) under Juanma Moreno won the most seats with 41.6% and 53 seats, but lost the absolute majority it previously held. It now needs two more seats for a majority, clearing the way for cooperation with VOX, which slightly increased its share and became the third largest party.
The developments come amid numerous challenges for the Socialists. The party faces corruption allegations at both national and local levels, while earlier this year a serious railway accident near Adamuz in the province of Córdoba triggered sharp criticism of the central government’s infrastructure policies.
Voters also expressed dissatisfaction with Sánchez’s foreign policy, especially after his refusal to grant the United States military bases in Spain during Operation Epic Fury in Iran, a move that caused tensions with the Trump administration.
Although the PP lost ground compared to 2022, Moreno, who has led the region since 2019, appeared open to an agreement with VOX. Such collaboration could pave the way for future national alliances.
The result in Andalusia is seen as a preview of next year’s general elections and signals a clear shift to the right in Spain’s political landscape.
