Pedro Sanchez’s Socialist Party’s loss in Aragon indicates that the government’s support is declining across large parts of the country
On Sunday, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez’s Socialist Party experienced a significant loss in the Aragon regional election, whereas right-wing parties secured notable gains—highlighting the government’s fading support nationwide.
Spain’s conservative People’s Party (PP) claimed 26 seats in Aragon’s 67-seat legislature—down from 28—missing out on a majority even though it garnered 34.3% of the votes. Sanchez’s Socialists slid to 18 seats from 23 (their poorest regional performance to date) with 24.3% backing, while the right-wing Vox party doubled its seat count to 14, finishing third. Aragon, frequently referred to as “Spain’s Ohio,” is seen as a gauge of the country’s political climate.
“This isn’t the outcome we were hoping for,” stated Socialist candidate Pilar Alegria, who stepped down as education minister to contest the regional election. “Aragon now confronts an uncertain future.”
Sunday’s election marked the first of three regional votes planned in areas controlled by the PP in Spain, with Castilla y Leon set to vote in March and Andalusia in June.
Both the PP and the Socialists positioned the Aragon election as a reflection of wider national concerns. The PP cast it as a vote on the prime minister, whose coalition has been plagued by scandals linked to his party and its allies. Additionally, the prime minister’s personal approval ratings have been harmed by corruption allegations involving at least two of his top aides and his spouse.
The election campaign in Aragon—a northeastern region with roughly 1.3 million residents—was centered on discussions about Sanchez’s proposal to grant legal status to some 500,000 immigrants.
Opposition leaders have responded with strong criticism, describing the plan as politically driven and reckless. PP leader Alberto Nunez Feijoo charged Sanchez with trying to “deflect attention” from a growing national crisis sparked by a string of recent deadly passenger train crashes that killed dozens.
Vox leader Santiago Abascal went further, alleging that the government is encouraging a large-scale “invasion” aimed at “replacing” the local population and demanding mass deportations.
Right-wing and conservative parties have seen a rise in support in recent EU elections, fueled by worries about immigration, economic instability, and political scandals. In the 2024 European Parliament election, France’s National Rally won 31% (leading the pack), Austria’s Freedom Party came first in its country’s polls, and Germany’s AfD secured notable gains. Right-wing groups also grew stronger in Belgium, Italy, and Hungary.