Andalucia will go to the polls within weeks after regional president Juanma Moreno officially called elections following nearly four years in power.
The announcement came after an extraordinary cabinet meeting at Sevilla’s San Telmo Palace, where Moreno confirmed he had signed the decree dissolving parliament and triggering the vote.
Moreno said the chosen date is designed to encourage the highest possible turnout and ensure political stability in the months ahead.
The election has been set for Sunday, May 17.
‘Going to the polls now will allow Andalucia to face the coming months with full political and institutional capacity,’ he said, pointing to an uncertain economic and international context.
He also called for a ‘clean and respectful’ campaign, urging all parties to avoid misinformation and conduct themselves with ‘honesty and integrity.’
End of a full term
The election comes at the end of a full legislative term, something Moreno highlighted as a sign of political stability.
His Partido Popular (PP) has governed with an absolute majority since its decisive victory in June 2022.
‘Voting every four years after completing a full term is democratic normality,’ he said.
Moreno also noted that, despite calls from opponents to bring elections forward earlier, he chose to see out the full mandate, something that had not happened in Andalucía since 2012.
A record of stability and growth
The regional leader used the announcement to defend his government’s record, pointing to stronger public services, continued job growth, including among young people and women and Andalucia’s position as one of Spain’s key economic engines.
He also emphasised lower taxes and political stability as defining features of his administration.
Looking ahead
Moreno said the next government – whoever forms it – will need to be ‘stable and decisive’ to deal with rising living costs and global uncertainty.
‘It is my wish that Andalucia enters the summer with a fully functioning government,’ he said.
Read more Andalucia news at the Spanish Eye.
