Spain: far-right Vox party making gains
The far-right party Vox has made strong gains in a snap election in the central Spanish region of Castilla y León and is now third behind the conservative People's Party (PP) and the Socialists (PSOE). Vox now has 13 MPs in the regional parliament instead of just one. Spanish outlets speculate about an alliance between the conservatives and the far right.
Exclude them or let them govern?
Participation in government could perhaps take the wind out of the far right's sails, comments editor-in-chief Jordi Juan in La Vanguardia:
“Those who call for the exclusion of the far-right argue that this is common practice in Europe, especially in France or Germany. ... By contrast, there are no problems with a government that includes Matteo Salvini's Lega in Italy, or in Austria, where Sebastian Kurz was elected chancellor with the support of the so-called Freedom Party. Like it or not, Vox is now a political force that secures thousands of votes. Its marginalisation has not led to its decline but has further expanded its voter base. If, on the other hand, the party were allowed to govern, people would see its true behaviour beyond the big speeches.”
The ball is in the Socialists' court
La Razón points out that the Socialists (PSOE) definitely have the chance to prevent the far-right from joining the government:
“Vox has taken another step towards becoming the new driving force of the right in Spain. ... Of course, everyone is free to continue seeing Vox as a threat to democracy, the constitution and coexistence. But if they really believe this and the still young party poses such a serious and great threat, it's hard to understand why the PSOE doesn't offer itself up to the PP to save Spain and the Spanish people from this impending disaster.”