Pedro Sánchez launched the PSOE's electoral campaign in Extremadura by criticizing the PP's healthcare model and calling for mobilization against the right. In Plasencia, the prime minister referenced privatization scandals and mentioned Isabel Díaz Ayuso's boyfriend in a combative tone. Candidate Miguel Ángel Gallardo aims to rebound in polls with affordable housing promises.
On December 4, 2025, Pedro Sánchez kicked off the PSOE's electoral campaign for Extremadura's regional elections on December 21 in Plasencia, the Jerte region's capital with 40,000 residents. The Congress Palace filled mostly with retirees, to the tune of the band Sanguijuelas del Guadiana, amid chants of “Pedro, Pedro, Pedro!”.
Somewhat hoarse, Sánchez contrasted the socialist welfare state model with the PP's, focusing on healthcare. He referenced audios revealed by EL PAÍS about Madrid's Torrejón Hospital, managed by private firm Ribera Salud. “It doesn't matter if it's the screenings in Andalucía, or María Guardiola's cuts, or Isabel Díaz Ayuso's privatization”, he said. “First, they cut. Then they increase waiting lists. It's making business with everyone's healthcare so four win. And in the end, what do they do? Ask Ayuso's boyfriend”, referring to Alberto González Amador, Ayuso's partner implicated in a tax fraud case.
The prime minister highlighted achievements like pension increases, the minimum wage, and community transfers, with Extremadura receiving 7 billion euros more than under Rajoy. He touted the 2.9% economic growth and dismissed fears of polls predicting PSOE defeat: “Let them keep the polls [...] Electoral campaigns suit us well”. He called to defeat the right, which “what hurts them is that the left governs”, and vowed to stay in power beyond 2027.
Miguel Ángel Gallardo, the PSOE candidate under investigation for allegedly appointing Sánchez's brother at Badajoz Provincial Council, addressed the issue. He cited a Supreme Court ruling absolving three socialist mayors from the Jerte Valley, convicted in 2019 for illegal cherry dumping. “I understand your suffering [...] I know I have a backpack full of stones”, he said to applause. He promised 1,000 homes at 90,000 euros for youth and criticized President María Guardiola for skipping debates and lacking projects. He recalled the 2023 tie of 28 seats each for PSOE and PP, with a PP-Vox pact to govern, and paid tribute to Guillermo Fernández Vara, who died this year from stomach cancer. The slogan: “Do it or they will”. Socialist sources admit the campaign will be long amid forecasts of seat losses.