Spain's Popular Party has ramped up criticism of Vox to halt the vote shift to Santiago Abascal's party, exceeding one million votes per polls. Alberto Núñez Feijóo accuses Vox of tacitly aligning with the PSOE against him. Tensions heightened after Abascal's absence from October 12 events.
The PP leadership in Genoa perceives a convergence of interests between PSOE and Vox, both aimed at weakening the Popular Party. "There is a convergence of interests between PSOE and Vox. If Vox wears down PSOE, PP rises. And if PSOE wears down Vox, PP rises. They share a common enemy and both compete electorally with us," explain sources from the leadership. The vote transfer from PP to Vox already exceeds one million, according to Sigma Dos.
Alberto Núñez Feijóo voiced his frustration on Antena 3: "Vox is losing it with the PSOE. Vox has a political strategy that, directly or indirectly, coincides with the Socialist Party's, which is to attack the PP." He accused Vox of having too many protests and too few proposals, and urged it not to lie about PP pacts with PSOE. Feijóo stressed his goal is to oust Sánchez, and criticized Vox for abandoning coalitions in autonomous communities.
This offensive aligns with Vox's growth in polls, which humbles analysts by defying expectations. Abascal's absence from October 12 events, justified by refusing to share spaces with the Government, sparks debate: it is hard to believe patriotic voters approve the snub to national symbols, Armed Forces, and the King. Abascal positions himself as the spokesperson for the youth's "love for Spain" and announces he will not attend further events unless debating the Government.
The PP seeks to differentiate with a migration plan presented by Feijóo in Barcelona on October 13, including restrictions on arraigo permits, points-based visas, age tests for unaccompanied minors, creation of a single migration authority, Penal Code reform to toughen deportations, and pursuing mafias in international waters. Genoa criticizes Sánchez's "non-existent" policy and Vox's "xenophobia," while addressing institutional regeneration, self-employed incentives, youth fiscal policies, abortion rights, housing access, family conciliation, and youth employment, with over 60% public support.
In contrast to Vox, which seems confident in its voter base, the PP appears disconcerted by the rapid rightward shift of voters. "Vox wins even as it keeps losing, and the PP starts to lose even as it keeps winning," sums up the analysis.