PP-Vox Issues In Extremadura Could Signal Difficult Talks Post-Election

The inability of the conservative People's Party (PP) and right-wing nationalist Vox to reach an agreement on forming a governing coalition in the western autonomous community of Extremadura could be viewed as a harbinger of political paralysis at the national level after the upcoming 23 July general election.

• Following significant gains for the party in the 28 May regional elections, the PP and Vox were in a position to form a majority coalition. However, regional PP head Maria Guardiola has refused to allow Vox to join in a formal coalition, statingthat the party holds "sexist" views, and that given the small number of seats held in the regional assembly Vox should be content with supporting the PP from outside gov't. Guardiola went on to say that “If we have to go to new elections, we’ll go”.
• The PP stance in Extremadura is in stark contrast to that of the party's branch in the Valencian Community, where a formal PP-Vox coalition was established following the election, with Vox gaining control of several regional ministries.
• With opinion polls pointing towards the PP and Vox winning a combined majority at the national level on 23 July, PP head Alberto Núñez Feijóo could face a difficult decision. Either he invites Vox into a formal coalition, drawing ire from moderate voters for inviting right-wing nationalists into gov't. Or he only offers Vox the prospect of supporting a minority PP administration, which risks being rejected, bringing about political paralysis and the prospect of another snap election.