Head to Head: Spain’s Election Puts Two Leftist and Two Rightist Parties Against Each Other. Let’s Meet the Leaders

This Sunday, the Spanish elections will see a clash between two leftist and two rightist parties, each eager to form potential alliances. Here, we profile the leaders at the helm of these competing parties.

PEDRO SÁNCHEZ

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, the candidate from Spain’s Socialist party, arrives in Madrid, Spain for a live televised debate before the country’s general elections. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue)

Serving as Spain’s prime minister since 2018, Sánchez is up for reelection, with recent poll results appearing unfavorable.

His leadership navigated Spain through the COVID-19 crisis with a successful vaccination program and tackled the economic downturn worsened by the Russian invasion of Ukraine. However, his reliance on minor parties, including Catalan and Basque separatist groups, for maintaining his coalition, combined with a series of liberal legislation, may jeopardize his position.

Recognized for his attractive presence, Sánchez has championed progressive ideals, appointing more women than men in his Cabinet and maintaining strong environmental policies, thereby elevating Spain’s standing in Brussels. Fluent in English, the 51-year-old leader holds an advantage over his predecessors.

However, the hasty elections triggered after his party and its far-left allies suffered significant losses in local and regional elections in May could risk his position. As he embarks on a media blitz and nationwide rallies, Sánchez hopes for a surprising victory, depending significantly on an uninspired leftist voter base.

Sánchez, an ex-basketball player and economics professor, has two daughters with his wife.

ALBERTO NÚÑEZ FEIJÓO

Popular Party candidate Alberto Núñez Feijóo participates in a campaign meeting in Barcelona, Spain. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)

Expected to lead the right-wing Popular Party to triumph, Feijóo’s popularity skyrocketed after assuming party leadership in April 2022, succeeding Pablo Casado amidst an internal conflict.

Initially portrayed as a moderate, Feijóo, who won four consecutive regional elections in Galicia, shifted notably rightward in response to the unexpected elections and the rise of the far-right Vox party, vowing to revoke numerous leftist government laws.

At 61, Feijóo faces accusations of deceit regarding his coalition with Vox, dishonesty about the Popular Party’s pensions record, and attempts to minimize his connections with a Spanish drug dealer from years ago.

Seen as a successor to Manuel Fraga, Feijóo’s talents and affable demeanor are appreciated, but some note his arrogance when pressured, as seen in an interview with renowned journalist, Silvia Intxaurrondo.

Feijóo, who once directed the national postal service and state health service, has one child with his partner.

SANTIAGO ABASCAL

VOX far-right party leader Santiago Abascal addresses a crowd during an election campaign event in Guadalajara, Spain. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)

Santiago Abascal, the 47-year-old head of the far-right Vox party, presents himself as a maverick intent on preserving Spain’s cultural integrity.

Formerly a member of the Popular Party, Abascal broke away, accusing them of inadequate handling of separatist movements in Catalonia and his native Basque Country. Vox emerged in Parliament in 2019, fueled by the unsuccessful secession bid by Catalonia in 2017.

Renowned for his robust appearance and penchant for suits, Abascal is known for championing traditional Spanish culture, defending bullfighting and the nationalistic values of Francisco Franco’s regime, rejecting gender violence laws and criticizing feminism.

If Vox can maintain its position as the third-largest force in Spain’s Parliament and the Popular Party wins without an absolute majority, Abascal could potentially serve as deputy prime minister.

Married twice, Abascal is a father to four children.

YOLANDA DÍAZ

Sumar’s Prime Minister candidate Yolanda Diaz greets supporters at a political rally in Madrid, Spain. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue)

Yolanda Díaz, the only female candidate among the four main leaders, is a 52-year-old daughter of working-class, trade union, and anti-Franco activists from the small Galician town of Fene.

An accomplished labor minister since 2020, and the second deputy prime minister to Pedro Sánchez in 2021, Díaz has established her reputation as an effective negotiator. She founded Sumar, a broad civilian movement that united 15 small leftist parties, including Podemos.

Her main goal for Sunday’s elections is to secure third place, allowing Sumar to assist the Socialists in forming another leftist coalition.

Married with one child, Díaz aims to introduce increased taxation for large corporations and the wealthy, provide a state-funded payment for 18-year-olds to aid their education, and implement measures to support those struggling financially.

A correction to a previous version of this story: Alberto Núñez Feijóo is 61, not 62.

Contributions to this report were made by Joseph Wilson and David Brunat from Barcelona, Spain.

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More about Spanish Elections 2023

• Spanish General Elections 2023
• Profile of Pedro Sánchez
• Profile of Alberto Núñez Feijóo
• Profile of Santiago Abascal
• Profile of Yolanda Díaz
• History of Spain’s Political Parties
• Catalonia’s Independence Movement