Spain’s ruling Socialists endure major setback in regional poll

ISTANBUL

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez’s party suffered a heavy defeat Sunday in elections in the Extremadura autonomous community in west-central Spain as the far-right Vox party made significant gains.

The Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE) secured only 18 of the 65 seats in the regional assembly, down from the 28 they won in the previous 2023 election — their poorest regional showing ever in Extremadura, according to reports.

The conservative Popular Party (PP) took power in Extremadura in July 2023 by forming a coalition government with the support of the Vox party. Maria Guardiola of the PP was sworn in as president, ending decades of Socialist rule in the region

The PP called the latest election in the hope of securing an absolute majority, but while it emerged as the largest party Sunday with 29 seats, it fell short.

As a result, the PP will again have to rely on the Vox party, which increased its representation from five to 11 seats, to pass legislation.

Spain’s regional governments have authority over major policy areas including culture, health care, education and infrastructure.

The vote in Extremadura was regarded as a test of the PSOE's broader prospects as it leads lead the minority national coalition.