Genoa feeds the bull of the electoral pucherazo, but does not manage to order its story or its spokesmen

The political landscape in Spain has been marked by growing tensions between the ruling Socialist Party (PSOE), led by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, and the opposition, particularly the conservative People's Party (PP), under the leadership of Alberto Núñez Feijóo. Recent developments suggest that the PP is increasingly vocal about its belief that it will win the upcoming general elections, citing what it describes as an "unsustainable" situation for the current government. This sentiment has been reinforced by statements made by prominent figures within the party, including the leader of Vox, Santiago Abascal, who has cautioned against overconfidence, recalling past instances where similar predictions did not materialize. Despite these warnings, the PP continues to assert its position, framing the election as a pivotal moment that could shift the balance of power in Spain.

Feijóo, during an interview with media personality Federico Jiménez Losantos, accused the government of engaging in what he called "electoral engineering." He specifically pointed to policies such as the Law on Democratic Memory and the so-called "Law of Grandchildren," which he claims are being used as tools to maintain the PSOE’s grip on power. These allegations have intensified in recent weeks, shifting focus away from previous concerns regarding migration regularization. The PP now argues that the government is attempting to manipulate the electorate by altering the composition of voters through administrative procedures, consulate actions, or even flaws in the electoral system itself. However, this narrative has created internal divisions among PP leaders, some of whom emphasize different aspects of the alleged problem, ranging from census manipulation to procedural irregularities.

The debate around voter registration and potential changes to the electorate has roots in earlier discussions following the extraordinary regularization of migrants. At that time, Feijóo claimed the government aimed to increase voter rolls through this measure, linking migration policy directly to future electoral benefits. This claim was echoed by regional leaders such as Madrid’s President Isabel Díaz Ayuso but faced legal challenges due to the lack of automatic nationality grants resulting from regularization. In response, PP officials adjusted their stance, suggesting that while immediate voting rights were not granted, there might be long-term implications for the electorate's makeup. This shift implies a strategic move towards clientelist politics, where the government is perceived to be gradually reshaping the voter base to its advantage.

Data from the Center for Sociological Research (CIS) indicates that foreign-born citizens in Spain have historically favored right-wing parties, especially those critical of immigration policies. This trend suggests that the PSOE and left-wing parties, which advocate for more inclusive immigration policies, may face challenges in securing votes from this demographic. Nevertheless, the PP continues to frame its arguments around the idea that the government is actively working to change the electoral landscape in favor of leftist candidates, despite evidence pointing to the contrary.

In addition to these internal debates, the PP has formed unexpected alliances with other regional parties, including Junts per Catalunya and the Basque Nationalist Party (PNV), indicating a broader strategy to challenge the central government. These collaborations reflect a calculated effort to build coalitions capable of exerting pressure on the PSOE, potentially leading to a vote of confidence against Sánchez. Such moves underscore the evolving dynamics within Spanish politics, where traditional alliances are being tested and new partnerships are emerging in pursuit of common goals.

As the political climate becomes more polarized, the coming months will likely see increased scrutiny of both the PSOE and the PP. With the next general elections approaching, the narratives surrounding voter manipulation, coalition-building, and policy influence will play crucial roles in shaping public perception and electoral outcomes. The ability of each party to consolidate support and present a coherent message will determine the trajectory of Spain's political future.