Spanish voters make their choice in an election that could see another EU country swing to the right

Spaniards are set to cast their votes in an impending election this Sunday that may lead to Spain becoming the newest European Union member to shift towards right-wing politics.

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, in power since 2018, was compelled to call for an early election as a result of the critical blow suffered by his party, the Spanish Socialist Workers Party, and its far-left partner, Unidas Podemos, in May’s local and regional elections.

Preliminary polling for Sunday’s election shows the right-leaning Popular Party, victor in the May election, leading against the Socialists, though potentially reliant on the far-right Vox party’s support to form a government.

The possible creation of this coalition would signify the re-emergence of far-right power in the Spanish government, unseen since the country embraced democracy post the 40-year rule of dictator Francisco Franco in the late 1970s.

This potential shift to the right would align with recent political trends observed in Sweden, Finland, and Italy. Such a change could cause apprehension in countries like Germany and France, particularly in relation to EU immigration and climate policies.

Spain’s main leftist parties, along with the right-leaning PP, led by Alberto Núñez Feijóo, are pro-EU. Conversely, Vox, led by Santiago Abascal, opposes EU involvement in Spain’s matters.

With Spain currently holding the EU’s rotating presidency, an electoral loss for Sánchez could result in the PP assuming the EU presidency. This election is taking place during Spain’s six-month term, which Sánchez had planned to leverage to highlight his government’s achievements.

In a statement, Sánchez acknowledged the global interest in the election, emphasizing its relevance not only for Spain but also for Europe.

The Socialists, together with a new political movement named Sumar, which unites 15 small leftist parties, hope to achieve a surprise victory. The leadership of Sumar is currently in the hands of second deputy prime minister Yolanda Díaz, the sole female candidate among the top four.

With no party expected to gain an outright majority, the likely outcomes are either a left-leaning coalition or a right and far-right partnership.

Vox’s Abascal expressed hope for an overwhelming turnout, enabling a change in Spain’s political direction.

Around 37 million voters are eligible to vote in this election. Polling stations opened at 9 a.m. GMT and will close at 8 p.m. GMT, with the near-final results expected around midnight.

Key issues for voters include civil liberties, social rights, public health, and education. Voters will be electing 350 members to Parliament’s lower house and 208 members to the Senate.

The election is taking place in the peak of summer, and many voters may be on vacation. However, a surge in postal voting requests is expected to result in a 70% election turnout.

Under Sánchez’s leadership, Spain has navigated through the COVID-19 pandemic and an economic downturn fueled by inflation and aggravated by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. However, his reliance on minority parties and a series of liberal-minded laws may result in him losing his position.

The right-wing parties have been openly critical of Sánchez, claiming he has led Spain to ruin. They promise to repeal many of his laws, despite their benefits to millions of citizens and thousands of businesses.

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