Right wing parties poised to form next government in Spain

By Alyssa McMurtry

OVIEDO, Spain (AA) - Spain is set to go to the polls in one month, and polls suggest the current left-wing administration will be toppled.

Several polls averaged by Spanish newspaper El Pais predict a victory for the conservative Popular Party, albeit without a majority government.

If predictions hold, the Popular Party would need to seek the support of the far-right party Vox.

While the potential for a national coalition remains uncertain, this dynamic is evident in numerous cities and regions that witnessed similar results in recent local elections.

In Valencia, for instance, Vox and the Popular Party agreed to govern in coalition. However, talks between the parties stalled in Extremadura, which could necessitate a return to the polls for voters.

Leader Alberto Nunez Feijoo is urging voters to secure a majority for the Popular Party in the national elections, and avoid bringing the radical party into the government.

“I ask all Spaniards who want to change from the ideology of Sanchez, populism and separatism to give me a mandate,” he said on Friday.

Despite these challenges, Spain’s left-wing parties continue their fight, aiming to sway voter opinions in the coming month.

Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez on Thursday pledged that, if re-elected, his government would extend maternity and paternity leave from 16 to 20 weeks.

Simultaneously, the far-left is reorganizing under the new party, Sumar, absorbing the Podemos brand.

Both Sumar and Sanchez's Socialist Party have emphasized the controversial alliances between the Popular Party and Vox, particularly focusing on the potential implications of Vox's presence in the national government for women's rights.

Debates among the politicians have yet to happen, and the schedule and formats remain unclear.