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Feijóo Intensifies Campaign in Castilla y León, Attacks Rivals on Governance and Foreign Policy
Alberto Núñez Feijóo, leader of the Partido Popular (PP), focused his campaign efforts in Tordesillas, Valladolid, on Sunday, March 8, 2026, making pointed criticisms of both Vox and the current Spanish government led by Pedro Sánchez. The rally, held at the “Los Toreros” restaurant, saw Feijóo engage with supporters and outline his party’s vision for Castilla y León.
Direct Fire at Vox: A Question of Governance
Feijóo’s speech centered on differentiating the PP from Vox, particularly in the context of recent political instability. He criticized parties that “present themselves to not let govern and, to whoever wins, put all the difficulties to make decisions.” This was a clear reference to Vox’s recent actions in Extremadura, where they blocked the investiture of María Guardiola.
He used a vivid analogy, stating, “When they saw the bull of government, they ran away,” referencing the historical bull-running tradition of Tordesillas, despite the event no longer involving the actual lancing of the bull. Feijóo emphasized the PP’s long-standing experience in governing Castilla y León, highlighting four decades of uninterrupted rule.
Foreign Policy Concerns and Criticism of Sánchez
The ongoing international situation, specifically the conflict in Iran, also featured prominently in Feijóo’s address. He criticized President Sánchez’s handling of the situation, accusing him of “lying” regarding the deployment of the Cristóbal Colón frigate to Cyprus. Feijóo asserted that Sánchez was “pretending to fight with allies” and prioritizing political posturing over national interests.
Emphasis on Women in the PP
Coinciding with International Women’s Day, Feijóo highlighted the representation of women within the PP. He stated that seven of the nine provincial lists for the March 15th elections are headed by women, and pointed to the party’s history of female leadership, citing the first female minister, president of Congress, president of the Senate, and vice-president of the European Commission all originating from the PP. He contrasted this with what he described as the current government’s poor record on women’s issues.
Appealing for a Strong Mandate
Feijóo urged voters to support the PP to avoid a potential stalemate. He called on citizens to “not stay home” and to vote for the PP if they desired a stable government, framing other options as obstacles to progress. He emphasized the importance of a strong result for the region, stating, “Castilla y León likes bread, and is not interested in the circus.”
The Broader Context: Regional Elections and Shifting Alliances
Castilla y León holds significant political weight as the first community where a far-right party entered a regional government in 2022. The current elections are crucial, as they follow a period of instability and shifting alliances. Vox’s potential to enter governments in Extremadura and Aragón adds another layer of complexity to the political landscape.
FAQ
Q: What is Feijóo’s main criticism of Vox?
A: He criticizes Vox for prioritizing obstruction over governance, pointing to their recent actions in Extremadura.
Q: What did Feijóo say about the government’s foreign policy?
A: He accused President Sánchez of misleading the public regarding the handling of the conflict in Iran and the deployment of naval resources.
Q: How is the PP highlighting its commitment to women?
A: The PP is emphasizing the number of women leading their provincial lists and highlighting the party’s history of female leadership.
Q: What is Feijóo’s message to voters?
A: He is urging voters to support the PP to ensure a stable government and avoid a potential stalemate.
Did you know? Castilla y León was the first Spanish region to see a far-right party enter a regional government.
Pro Tip: Understanding the dynamics between the PP and Vox is crucial to interpreting the outcome of these regional elections.
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