OVIEDO, Spain

Spain’s far-right Vox on Monday pressed to join a governing coalition in the northeastern region of Aragon after achieving historic results in a snap regional election.

With 98.77% of ballots counted from Sunday’s vote, the Popular Party won 26 seats in the 67-seat regional assembly, down two from the previous election, while Vox doubled its representation – surging from seven to 14 seats.

The Socialist Party came in second but posted one of its weakest results in the region, falling from 23 seats to 18.

The snap election was called by Popular Party leader Jorge Azcon, who had been governing in a minority. The move was aimed at improving his party’s position after it lost Vox’s support and was unable to pass key legislation.

On Monday, Azcon suggested his party may now have to govern in coalition with Vox.

“You have to know when it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get to work,” he said.

Speaking at Vox’s national headquarters, spokesman Jose Antonio Fuster said the party wants a place in government and would seek positions with real authority, signaling it may demand a regional vice presidency and multiple ministries.

“Of course we want to govern,” he said. “And we don’t want unimportant posts.”

Popular Party leader Alberto Nunez Feijoo urged Vox to show “responsibility” and avoid blocking a conservative-led government, warning it should not become “a wall.”

Aragon is often considered a political bellwether for Spain’s national political mood.

Meanwhile, left-wing parties began analyzing the losses. In addition to the Socialists’ setback, far-left Podemos lost all representation in the regional assembly.

“What is coming won’t be stopped with party labels, it will be stopped with entire communities,” said Gabriel Rufian of the left-wing ERC party, referring to the rise of the far right. He announced plans for a political tour to meet other left-wing leaders to seek unity and a new strategy amid in-fighting.

“It’s useless to have more lawmakers or a ‘better’ result if Vox ends up governing and you get banned,” he said.

Spain’s next national elections must be held before Aug. 22, 2027.