Zaragoza, Spain – As Aragon prepares to head to the polls on , the campaign has taken a sharp turn, revealing increasingly fraught alliances within Spain’s right-wing political landscape. The Popular Party (PP), led in Aragon by Jorge Azcón and nationally by Alberto Núñez Feijóo, has sought to consolidate support by appealing to voters on the far-right, a strategy that has drawn criticism and exposed deep fissures within the conservative bloc.
The PP’s final campaign rally featured a controversial appearance by Vito Quiles, a far-right activist, who engaged with members of the party’s youth wing, Nuevas Generaciones. Quiles, previously linked to the far-right party Se Acabó la Fiesta (SALF) and its leader Alvise Pérez, reportedly spent the evening discussing politics and sharing drinks with young PP members. This move has sparked debate, particularly given Quiles’s past rhetoric and associations.
Adding to the controversy, the rally also included a performance by the musical duo Los Meconios, known for their provocative songs, including one referencing the Spanish Civil War and calling for a return to 1936. Their presence further underscored the PP’s attempt to court the far-right vote, a tactic that has drawn condemnation from opponents.
During his interactions with PP members, Quiles reportedly made disparaging remarks about Transport Minister Óscar Puente, referring to him as “the monkey” and blaming him for a delay in his train journey from Madrid to Zaragoza. He also criticized Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, labeling him an “autocrat” for allegedly seeking control over social media. Quiles reportedly encouraged the young PP members to continue “defending freedoms.”
The involvement of Quiles raises questions about the PP’s strategy and its willingness to align with extremist elements. Quiles had previously served as a press chief for Alvise Pérez and was a candidate on SALF’s list in the European elections. Financial records reveal a €4,477 invoice from Quiles to Pérez for “collaboration and promotion services,” highlighting their close working relationship.
The PP’s outreach to the far-right also extends to media outlets. EDATV, an ultra-right channel created by Javier Negre, had not previously received advertising revenue from the Aragonese regional government. However, since Jorge Azcón assumed office, EDATV has received a total of €60,801.85 for campaigns promoting tourism, water conservation, and cultural events, despite having limited presence within the Aragon region.
The situation has not gone unnoticed by the opposition. Prime Minister Sánchez, during a rally in Zaragoza alongside Pilar Alegría, directly addressed the issue, describing Quiles as someone who “persecutes politicians who don’t think like him.” He also criticized Los Meconios, stating that their songs “reclaim the coup d’état and the Civil War of 36,” and warned voters that “votes for the PP go to the far-right, and votes for the far-right go to the PP.”
Both Azcón and Feijóo have publicly urged voters to consolidate support and avoid fragmentation of the right-wing vote. Azcón accused Vox leader Santiago Abascal of populism and dismissed his criticism of the PP as unfounded. He also emphasized the PP’s commitment to preventing a water transfer from the Ebro River, a key issue for farmers in the region, and accused Vox of misleading voters on the matter.
The upcoming election in Aragon is seen as a crucial test case for the PP’s strategy of managing its relationship with Vox. The collapse of budget negotiations between the two parties in November 2025, stemming from a perceived lack of respect from Vox, has further complicated the situation. Vox reportedly demanded a “radical change” in Aragon’s environmental and immigration policies, leading to a public dispute with Azcón.
Azcón has hinted at the possibility of early elections, but has strategically distanced the vote from other regional elections, suggesting a calculated move to avoid being swept up in a broader national political narrative. The outcome of the election will likely have significant implications for the balance of power in Aragon and for the future of right-wing alliances in Spain.
The dynamics in Aragon mirror a national trend of increasing tension between the PP and Vox. While polls suggest a potential victory for the right in the 2027 general elections, the growing friction between the two parties raises concerns about their ability to form a stable coalition. The situation highlights the challenges faced by center-right parties across Europe as they navigate the rise of far-right populism and attempt to maintain their ideological principles while appealing to a broader electorate.
