The Popular Party has won the regional elections in Extremadura with 29 deputies, but falls short of an absolute majority and will need Vox's support, which has grown to 11 seats. The PSOE plummets to just 18 parliamentarians, its worst historical result. Turnout dropped to 62% amid an early election called due to budget issues.
María Guardiola, the PP candidate, failed to secure an absolute majority in Extremadura's regional elections held on December 21, despite the early poll called to break free from reliance on Vox. With 99% of votes counted, the PP gains 29 deputies—one more than in 2023 and its best historical result—but four short of the 33-seat absolute majority in the 65-deputy Assembly. This forces Guardiola to negotiate with Vox, which doubles its seats from 5 to 11, particularly in rural areas traditionally held by socialists.
The PSOE, now second, suffers a crushing defeat, dropping to 18 deputies from 28 two years ago and losing its 33-year stronghold in the region. Its candidate, Miguel Ángel Gallardo—implicated in a case of alleged family placement—called the result 'bad, very bad' but ruled out immediate resignation, planning an executive meeting on Monday to analyze it. 'My future worries me the least,' he said, leaving room for a later exit.
Unidas por Extremadura rises to 7 seats from 4, boosted by candidate Irene de Miguel, who labeled Guardiola the 'big loser' and demanded her resignation. 'We are a light of hope for transformative left across the country,' she stated. Vox warns it will defend 'with nails and teeth' its votes, per Óscar Fernández Calle, complicating talks.
The election day, with 890,985 eligible voters, saw 62% turnout—down 7.74 points from 2023 and especially low in rural areas. Key issues included infrastructure, public services, and immigration, despite Extremadura's low migrant population. Guardiola urged Santiago Abascal to 'reflect' on results before starting contacts next week.
