Alberto Núñez Feijóo, the leader of Spain’s opposition conservative party, has declared victory in the snap election. However, his Popular Party (PP), even with the support of the far right, has fallen short of obtaining a majority in parliament. On the other side, the rival Socialist camp led by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez celebrated their own success. Despite the claims of victory, the election has resulted in an inconclusive outcome for Spain.
The election was held during a scorching Spanish summer, with temperatures reaching 40°C in some regions. Still, voter turnout surpassed 70%, as people recognized the importance of the election and interrupted their holidays to cast their votes, some even pictured in swimwear and beach attire.
With the PP obtaining 136 seats and the far-right party Vox securing 33 seats, they are seven seats away from the 176 seats required for an absolute majority in parliament. As a result, it is likely that another election will take place later in the year.
The Socialists, along with their far-left allies Sumar, appeared pleased with the election results. Pedro Sánchez’s party has been criticized by the right for various issues, including a controversial law on sexual consent, abortion reforms, and transgender rights. Additionally, the opposition raised concerns about his alliances with Catalan and Basque nationalists, which they believed posed a threat to Spain’s territorial unity.
Despite the PP’s victory, there is still a chance for Pedro Sánchez to form a government, although it would require securing support from separatist parties and even a hardline pro-independence group, Together for Catalonia (Junts), which may be unwilling to back him.
The 70% voter turnout was higher than in the previous election, with the participation of almost 2.5 million postal votes. The election saw 1.6 million young voters participating for the first time. Many Spaniards, even amid summer holidays, felt that there was too much at stake in this crucial election. Some expressed anxiety and concern over the possibility of an extreme-right party coming to power.
The outcome of the election has left the coutry facing more uncertainty about its future government. Both the PP and the Socialists have reasons to claim success, but neither party obtained an absolute majority. As the political landscape remains uncertain, the possibility of another election looms, potentially shaping Spain’s political direction in the coming months.
