23rd October 2026
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PP and Vox strike third regional ‘national priority’ pact to form government in Castilla y León

Spain’s main opposition right-wing party joined forces with the far-right Vox party on Wednesday to secure the re-election of its regional leader in Castilla y León, marking the latest agreement between the two parties ahead of Spain’s next general election.

The pact is being closely watched because Spain’s autonomous regions hold extensive powers over areas such as healthcare, education and housing. As a result, regional alliances are often seen as indicators of potential political arrangements at national level.

The People’s Party (PP) emerged as the largest force in Castilla y León’s regional election in March but failed to win an outright majority. To remain in power, its leader in the region – Alfonso Fernández Mañueco (left in main image) – required the support of Vox. ALSO READ: PP wins Castilla y León election, but needs far-right’s support – and PSOE improves its result.

Under the agreement reached on Wednesday, Vox agreed to back the PP administration in exchange for the adoption of parts of its political programme, including the principle of what the party describes as ‘national priority’ in the provision of public services. Vox will also have a vice president, Carlos Pollán (right, main image) and two councillors in the regional government, according to the agreement with the PP.

The PP and Vox have already reached comparable governing agreements in the regions of Aragón and Extremadura. ALSO READ: PP secures Aragón leadership with Vox in renewed ‘national priority’ pact.

According to the deal, access to certain public services and benefits would be prioritised on the basis of what is defined as an individual’s ‘real attachment’ to the region. ALSO READ: Far-right Vox rejoins Extremadura government in ‘national priority’ deal with PP.

The arrangement was swiftly criticised by Spain’s socialist-led central government. Digital Transformation Minister Oscar López described the agreement as a ‘national disgrace’.

Vox withdrew from five regional coalition governments with the PP in 2024 following a dispute over the allocation of unaccompanied migrant minors across Spain. ALSO READ: Spain to commence mass regularisation of undocumented migrants.

Spain’s next general election must be held by mid-2027.

Most opinion polls currently suggest the PP would emerge as the largest party, although it would likely need Vox’s support to secure a parliamentary majority in Spain’s increasingly fragmented political landscape. ALSO READ: Andalusia leaves Sánchez politically weakened as Spain edges further towards a PP-Vox era.

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