VALENCIA – The regional elections on Sunday, May 28, witnessed a political earthquake as the Partido Popular (PP) swept across the Valencia region. The success of the Partido Popular is undeniable and is particularly evident in their overwhelming victory in the regional parliamentary elections.
Under the leadership of Carlos Mazón, the regional list has exceeded all expectations by securing 40 out of 99 seats. Moreover,this victory is a significant leap forward from the 19 seats the party won in 2019. This remarkable achievement marks a turning point at all levels of government. The same victorious trend observed in the regional elections further strengthens the national leadership of Alberto Núñez Feijóo.
Valencia City
In Valencia, María José Catalá dethroned Joan Ribó (Coalició Compromís) and is poised to become the new mayor. By adding the four seats won by Vox to their own 13 seats, Catalá can secure the mayoral position. The combination of Compromís, which lost a seat, with PSPV (who maintained their results and secured only seven seats under the leadership of Sandra Gómez), falls short by one seat compared to the right-leaning parties. Both Ribó and the socialist candidate have been heavily impacted by the elections, leaving their political future uncertain.
Alicante and Castellón
The popularity of the PP has also grown in Alicante and Castellón, extending to other significant cities such as Elche and Torrent, which are symbolic of the political landscape surrounding Valencia. The shift towards the PP has been evident in these places, aligning with the overall political trend observed in the final days of the campaign.
PP’s success endorses Feijóo’s policies
While the success of the PP’s candidates serves as an endorsement of Feijóo’s policies, the same cannot be said for rival parties. Pedro Sánchez (PSOE) has suffered a heavy defeat in the elections, undermining his recent political course and raising doubts about his alliances with left-wing and separatist parties. This setback significantly impacts his overall project in the lead-up to the national elections. Consequently, he has already announced the decision to bring forward the elections from December this year to July 23.
Weakening of left-wing parties
However, Sánchez is not the only one who suffered losses on May 28. Left-wing parties, in general, have weakened, reflecting a broader trend observed throughout Spain and the region. Compromís has suffered losses both in Les Corts and the Valencia City Council, as well as in other crucial municipalities in the region. The tripartite alliance has fared even worse. Podemos, with Héctor Illueca as the lead candidate, failed to secure any seats in the regional parliament and has no representation in the capital.
Downfall of Ciudadanos
On the other end of the political spectrum, Ciudadanos experienced an anticipated downfall. Four years ago, the party achieved an impressive 18 seats in Les Corts. Now, however, Ciudadanos has vanished, following the pattern observed in other electoral processes throughout Spain.
Ximo Puig faces defeat
The major loser of the Sunday elections is socialist Ximo Puig. Despite improving his results compared to the 27 seats he won four years ago, his current 31 seats are not sufficient to halt the success of the emerging Carlos Mazón of the PP.
Collaboration with Vox for a majority in Les Corts?
Mazón’s success has created an unprecedented situation that necessitates collaboration with Vox. Unless Mazón chooses to govern alone with occasional support from the far-right party, which has three seats, an alliance between the two parties will be crucial to form a majority in Les Corts. This alliance could potentially lead to the presidency of Les Corts being held by Vox’s list, led by Carlos Flores, another winner of the May 28 elections.
Stepping stone for Feijóo to Moncloa
The PP’s triumph in the Valencia region has undoubtedly reshaped the political landscape, consolidating its dominance and raising the prospect of a shift in power at the national level. Consequently, this resounding victory is seen as a stepping stone towards the possible ascension of Feijóo to Moncloa, the seat of the national government in Madrid.
Also read: Turnaround in Andalusia: PP wins in almost all provincial capitals