The electoral campaign in Galicia
The electoral campaign in Galicia has not been without complications for the Popular Party (PP). Although a priori it seemed that there would be no problems for this match, several factors have complicated the situation.
One of the factors that has affected the campaign is the poor management of the dumping of pellets on the coast. This fact has generated criticism and given wings to the Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party (PSOE) and Vox, which have taken advantage of the situation to gain support.
On the other hand, amnesty has also been a controversial issue during the campaign. Both the PP and the PSOE have had problems related to this issue, although for different reasons. This situation has benefited the left, which has managed to gain support.
The options for the progressive block
In this context, there seemed to be options for the progressive bloc led by the Bloque Nacionalista Galego (BNG). Although the campaign has focused on Spanish issues, the BNG has managed to capture the attention of the electorate.
However, despite the increase in participation and the shortening of distances between the left and the right, Galicia will not have a nationalist government like Euskadi or Catalonia. The PP has revalidated the absolute majority for the fifth time and is consolidating itself as a solid political force.
The future of BNG
Despite not having managed to govern, the BNG and its leader, Ana Pontón, have obtained an excellent result. With more than 30% of the votes and 25 seats, the BNG is consolidating itself as the clear and well-worked alternative in Galicia.
The BNG’s future challenges are to expand its horizons and penetrate the territories and social sectors that have traditionally been dominated by the PP. Despite this, the party has managed to win support among the socialist and Sumar electorate, but has not managed to capture votes from the PP.
The losers of election night
The big losers on election night were the Socialist Party of Galicia-PSOE (PSdG-PSOE) and Sumar. The PSdG-PSOE has obtained only nine seats, placing itself at its historical minimum. For his part, Sumar has obtained an almost symbolic result and has not managed to exceed 2% of the votes.
On the other hand, Podemos has obtained an even worse result, with only 0.2% of the votes. This situation raises questions about the parties’ responsibility in presenting the progressive alternative.
The problem of the PSOE
The results in Galicia highlight the problem of the Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party (PSOE). This party has lost support in several autonomous communities and does not have an attractive and differentiated offer in Galicia or the Basque Country.
The PSOE has lost Andalusia and the Valencian Country, and only in Catalonia does it have a chance of winning thanks to the figure of Salvador Illa. Beyond the work of Pedro Sánchez’s government, it is not clear what they offer on central issues such as funding.
The future of Sánchez i Díaz
Pedro Sánchez and Yolanda Díaz have a problem, as their parties are territorially weak. The PSOE keeps losing support and Sumar does not articulate itself in decisive communities, showing great fragility.
The situation is particularly serious for Yolanda Díaz, who comes from Galician politics and has been the candidate for Sumar in Galicia. In addition, Sánchez has to deal with other problems, such as amnesty and state budgets.
Conclusions
The results of the elections in Galicia have confirmed the consolidation of the PP as the dominant political force in this autonomous community. Despite the attempts of the left to achieve a change, the PP has revalidated for the fifth time the absolute majority.
The BNG has obtained an excellent result and has established itself as the clear and well-worked alternative in Galicia. The losers of the night were the PSdG-PSOE, Sumar and Podemos, who obtained results much lower than expected.
The results in Galicia highlight the problems of the PSOE and Sumar, which do not have an attractive and differentiated offer in this autonomous community. This situation raises questions about the future of these parties.
