The fragile truce between Spain's conservative People's Party (PP) and far-right Vox has deepened in Andalucía, raising alarm bells about the implications for the country's national politics. The two parties have formed a new coalition government in the southern region, securing PP's seven-year rule despite losing its absolute majority in May's regional elections.
The breakthrough agreement includes a contentious 'national priority' policy, giving preference to Spanish-born individuals over foreign nationals for public benefits. This concession was a key demand from Vox and marks a significant shift in the region's approach to immigration. The deal also rejects the central government's policies on migrant reception and scraps plans to accept unaccompanied minors.
The coalition's agenda goes beyond immigration, with priorities including resisting 'ideological agendas' in environmental care and preserving bullfighting. They also plan to repeal existing legislation on historical memory, a move slammed by UN experts as an attempt to 'whitewash' the Franco era. This law aimed to provide justice and dignity for victims of the Spanish Civil War and dictatorship.
Juan Manuel Moreno Bonilla hailed the pact as a 'sensible, fair and legal legislative agreement', promising four years of stability. PP leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo commended Moreno's commitment to dialogue, while Vox's Manuel Gavira vowed to defend 'common sense' in Andalucía.
The coalition has been forged amidst a backdrop of corruption scandals affecting the Spanish Socialist Worker's Party (PSOE), led by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez. Ahead of next year's general election, polls suggest the PP may emerge as the largest party, but its ties with Vox have sparked concerns about the country's democratic direction.