Vox is strengthening its influence on the Spanish political scene by imposing the controversial principle of «national priority» on the People's Party (PP) in their governance agreement in Extremadura. This influence in the autonomous regions could serve as a springboard for national ambitions. DR ‹ › In Spain, Vox continues to assert itself alongside its main rival, the People's Party (PP). The agreement signed on Tuesday between the two parties over the distribution of key positions in the presidency of the autonomous region of Extremadura highlights the growing influence of the far-right party on the Spanish political scene. To secure the presidency for the PP candidate, Vox insisted that its ally include the principle of «national priority» in their governance pact. Point 6 of the agreement states that «a system for access to social housing and subsidized rentals will be established, based on the principle of national priority and in accordance with current legislation, ensuring that public resources are primarily allocated to people with a real, lasting, and verifiable connection to the territory». This connection is mainly defined by registration as a resident in Extremadura, with a minimum of ten years required for access to housing and five years for rental eligibility. Other criteria include employment status and the presence of first-degree relatives residing in the region. The principle of «national priority» is also referenced in Chapter 7 of the agreement, extending to «access to all public aid, subsidies, and benefits». Priority is given to «individuals with a real, lasting, and verifiable connection to the territory». The text does not explicitly mention foreign nationals, as noted by a Spanish media outlet. Vox's growing influence Vox has made its support for the PP conditional on the adoption of stricter policies, including reducing social aid for immigrants, refusing to accommodate unaccompanied minors, and suspending programs teaching the Arabic language and Moroccan culture, measures already implemented since the 2025–2026 school year in regions such as Madrid and Murcia. The agreement has reignited political tensions, particularly during Wednesday's debate in the Spanish Congress. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez denounced it as «racist», «inhumane», and «xenophobic», while PP leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo accused Sánchez of «corruption» and «incompetence». What is unfolding in Extremadura reflects a broader trend: Vox's increasing leverage over the PP, a dynamic already visible in several autonomous communities and one that could eventually extend to the national level. On Tuesday, Vox also introduced a non-binding bill in Congress on the concept of «national priority», further raising pressure on the Popular Party.
