Spain’s main right-wing opposition party said on Monday that the governing socialists (PSOE) are in ‘irreversible decline’, following a heavy defeat in a regional election held over the weekend.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s party, already under pressure from corruption and sexual misconduct allegations, suffered its worst-ever showing on Sunday in Extremadura. ALSO READ: PP wins in Extremadura, but will have to depend on Vox to govern, as PSOE collapses.
The predominantly rural region bordering Portugal was long considered a PSOE stronghold, but control shifted to the right-wing People’s Party (PP) in 2023 with the backing of the far right Vox party. ALSO READ: Extremadura becomes third region of Spain to be jointly governed by PP & Vox.
On Sunday, the PP again finished first, winning 29 of the 65 seats in the regional parliament, while the PSOE secured just 18. PP leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo (main image) described the outcome as a ‘new beginning’.
Speaking in Madrid, he forecast momentum for the PP in regional elections scheduled across several parts of Spain in the months ahead, declaring: ‘Change in Spain is happening.’
He added: ‘The irreversible decline of the Socialist Party has only just begun.’
Despite its victory, the PP once again failed to secure an outright majority in Extremadura and will still rely on support from the far-right Vox party, which more than doubled its representation to 11 seats.
The vote was the first regional election since a court ordered José Luis Ábalos, a former senior aide to Sánchez, to face trial over allegations he received kickbacks linked to public contract awards. ALSO READ: Spain’s former transport minister detained without bail in corruption investigation.
Sánchez’s wife, Begoña Gómez, and his younger brother, David Sánchez, are also under investigation over suspected corruption. ALSO READ: Trial of Spanish PM’s brother for alleged corruption postponed until late May.
In recent weeks, the socialists have additionally faced criticism over claims they failed to adequately respond to allegations of sexual harassment involving senior male figures. ALSO READ: Facing fallout among women voters over sex scandals, the PSOE tighten harassment protocols.
Sánchez, who has been in power since 2018, has not commented publicly on the electoral setback. Instead, he announced on Monday the appointment of a new education minister and government spokesperson.
He has repeatedly dismissed opposition demands that he step down and call an early general election. ALSO READ: PM Sánchez dismisses calling early elections: ‘It’s an honour to govern even in these circumstances’.
Subscribe to the Weekly Newsletter from Spain in English.
Primera fuerza, suma más que toda la izquierda y le saca 17,5 puntos y 11 escaños al PSOE. pic.twitter.com/uaMYUKz5WL
— Alberto Núñez Feijóo (@NunezFeijoo) December 23, 2025
Click here to get your business activity or services listed on our DIRECTORY.