The Alicante Result and the Road Ahead for Spain’s Parties
The July election produced a clear win for the People’s Party in Spain and in the Alicante province. The PP, led by Macarena Montesinos, secured five of Alicante’s twelve deputy seats. The Socialist Party, with Alejandro Soler, captured four seats. Vox took two seats, and a single seat went to Compromís-Sumar, held by Txema Gravel. For the Senate, the four elected seats favored the front runners, with Eva Ortiz and the socialist Ana Martínez earning seats on the upper house side.
All the elected faces now face a new legislature shaped by a blend of uncertainties and political bargaining. A dense pattern of alignments across the right and left blocs has left the government’s formation largely in the hands of nationalist parties. Notably, all list leaders except Vox, which chose not to participate in negotiations, began their new terms with a commitment not to pursue re-election in the near term. Montesinos and Gravel, both veterans of the group, signal a readiness to move forward under their party leadership.
We must overcome uncertainty and give Spain the stability it needs.
The idea is simple: stability matters. A mainstream principle in Spain’s democratic history is that the party with the most votes typically leads. As the PP prepares for a sixth legislature in Madrid, the path forward involves blocs and blocks that could hinder or help Spain. The party is resolved to push for a government that commands broad support and strong governance.
The weight of the nationalists
Eva Ortiz, taking a premier role in the Senate, suggests the need to reach agreements that go beyond mere investment. The goal is to unite more broadly for the common good, recognizing that even a small percentage of votes can influence Spain’s trajectory. Some voices argue for pragmatic coalition building rather than rigid opposition, stressing the importance of cross-party cooperation.
On the other side, the question of who should be responsible for forming a government has a clear answer for some: the People’s Party holds the majority and should attempt to form a government in line with democratic norms and the Constitution. Those who see themselves as guardians of responsibility emphasize the right to pursue a stable administration.
Should the PP fail, the legitimacy, duty and responsibility to form the government rests with the PSOE.
In Madrid and in the Senate, there is a belief that the PSOE will ultimately assume the task of forming a majority if the PP cannot secure it. Deliberations focus on the social and constitutional framework that underpins governance. There is confidence that the Socialists will demonstrate their capacity to engage with different parties to benefit citizens, even if the political climate remains noisy.
Indeed, the left-leaning coalition members acknowledge that experience shapes a more accommodative approach. Since entering Congress, the need for manageability through agreements has been a recurring theme, even as the numbers may appear tight. The current moment calls for practical deals and a willingness to compromise, with optimism about delivering results.
Both major blocs are navigating a period of careful negotiations, with cautious confidence that a decisive legislative coalition can emerge for Alicante. The shared aim is to secure investments and infrastructure for a region that has faced significant challenges, from economic pressures to water and resource management issues. The focus is on delivering projects that benefit communities and support economic growth.
We knew nothing but demonic balances. We don’t know what it is to guarantee manageability without agreements.
Txema Gravel, from a broader coalition perspective, emphasizes the need for steady progress. The challenge is to secure investments and major projects that benefit Alicante and neighboring areas, addressing long-standing gaps and improving services for residents. The call is to advance the social agenda while advancing regional development and stability.
There is an earnest push for continued advancement of social rights, including wage protections and safeguards that voters expect to endure beyond political cycles. The goal is to balance growth with social equity, ensuring that gains are visible in everyday life for the people of Alicante and across Spain.
Hidden crisis at Vox?
Vox faced internal dynamics after a senior departure, which has contributed to a more closed posture regarding fielding public statements. While the party remains active on regional matters in Alicante, its national strategy and openness to broad coalitions face scrutiny as the political landscape evolves.