Tensions Rise as PP and Vox Begin Fragile Negotiations in Extremadura and Aragón

Negotiations between the Popular Party (PP) and Vox in Extremadura and Aragón are off to a rocky start. Vox leader Santiago Abascal expressed his discontent with a ten-point manifesto presented by the PP, which outlines fundamental conditions for dialogue, including adherence to legality and the defense of the Head of State. In a recent interview on Antena 3's Espejo Público program, Abascal criticized the manifesto, questioning its necessity when negotiating with Vox, a party he claims respects the rule of law and the constitution. Abascal remarked, 'When the obvious is mentioned, someone is offended. If it's to negotiate with Junts or the PSOE, I understand the need to discuss respecting the rule of law, the Crown, or the constitution. But to reach an agreement with Vox, I do not comprehend that document.' His frustration stems from what he perceives as an insult not only to Vox but also to regional leaders like Jorge Azcón and María Guardiola, suggesting that such conditions imply they might be negotiating with 'savages'. The PP's intent in providing this framework is to establish a common political and programmatic space, paving the way for stable governance throughout the legislature. This ambition includes not only the appointment of regional presidents but also securing budget approvals for the next four years—a strategic move aimed at ensuring resilience amid an ongoing electoral cycle. Abascal further criticized the PP’s leadership for seemingly implying that Vox lacks commitment to the rule of law, calling for a reevaluation of their negotiating stance. He expressed that he has 'never seen' an agreement on the approval of all budgets over a legislative term, suggesting that such an idea might be unrealistic. Despite the friction, the initial conversation between Abascal and PP leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo was described as cordial. Both parties acknowledged a shared goal: to unseat Pedro Sánchez’s government. Nevertheless, the future of these negotiations remains uncertain, as both sides grapple with their political identities and the expectations set forth in the negotiating framework. Génova sources indicate that the document reflects non-negotiable tenets for the PP, including respect for electoral proportionality and commitment to regional institutions. The challenge now lies in finding common ground without compromising their core principles as they navigate the complexities of coalition governance. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2