Alberto Núñez Feijóo has acknowledged that it is nearly impossible for the PP to secure an absolute majority in the Extremadura elections on December 21, forcing the party to rely on Vox to govern. Meanwhile, the Junta de Extremadura, led by María Guardiola, has approved 165 million euros in aids and investments five days before the vote. These measures aim to boost sectors like self-employment and healthcare, though they spark controversy over their electoral timing.
Alberto Núñez Feijóo, PP leader, has lowered expectations for the Extremadura regional elections on December 21. From Zahínos (Badajoz), he admitted it is “very, very, very difficult” to achieve an absolute majority in the current context, with the main goal being to secure more votes than the left to lower Vox's 'price,' possibly limiting it to abstention. According to a 40dB. poll for EL PAÍS, María Guardiola's PP would reach 38.8% of votes (30 seats), Vox 14% (9 seats), PSOE 31% (21), and Unidas por Extremadura 8.3% (5). This would force the PP to negotiate with Vox, despite historical tensions: in 2023, Guardiola harshly criticized Vox for denying gender-based violence and dehumanizing immigrants, though she eventually gave them a ministry. Recently, she called Santiago Abascal “misogynist” for suggesting a candidate change.
In the last pre-election government council, the Junta approved 41 measures worth 165 million euros. These include a 2.5% salary increase for 2025 (retroactive) and 1.5% for 2026 for public employees (110 million), direct aids to self-employed workers from 960 to 3,000 euros (6.5 million for over 3,000 businesses), 2 million for microenterprise modernization, 6 million for municipal residence improvements, 1 million for energy efficiency works in Cáceres schools, 11.6 million for glucose monitoring in diabetics, and 13.8 million for air sanitary transport (2026-2029). However, the announcement of a new Scientific and Technological Park in Mérida has been labeled an “electoral lie” by socialist mayor Antonio Rodríguez Osuna, who claims European funds were lost.
Feijóo sees Extremadura as the start of a favorable “domino effect” for the PP in other regions, eroding the PSOE. On Isabel Díaz Ayuso's criticisms of “lukewarm” figures, he quipped: “I have never been lukewarm in my life.” He will not table a motion of censure against Sánchez for now.
