The race for power in Andalucia is underway with five political heavyweights competing to lead the regional government when voters head to the polls on May 17.
Current president Juanma Moreno (Partido Popular) is seeking to hold onto power, facing challenges from Maria Jesus Montero (PSOE), Manuel Gavira (Vox), Antonio Maillo (Por Andalucia) and Jose Ignacio Garcia (Adelante Andalucia).
While the outcome will ultimately be decided at the ballot box, early polling suggests Moreno is the clear frontrunner.
According to recent surveys, he could secure around 55 seats, which would be enough to govern alone with what his party calls a ‘stable majority’.
The PSOE, led by former deputy prime minister Montero, is projected to slightly improve its position with around 31 seats.
Vox could drop to 13, while Adelante Andalucia is expected to gain ground with six seats, ahead of Por Andalucia on four.
Moreno enters the election as the most recognisable figure among voters, with nearly 95% awareness, followed closely by Montero.
The other candidates lag behind in name recognition, reflecting a campaign that, so far, is largely centred on the two main parties.
The key contest is shaping up to be a direct battle between Moreno and Montero.
The current president is aiming to repeat his strong result from the last election, while Montero is hoping her experience in both regional and national government can win back ground for the Socialists.
Further to the right, Manuel Gavira leads Vox’s campaign after heading the party’s parliamentary group throughout the last term.
On the left, Antonio Maillo returns to frontline politics as the candidate for Por Andalucia, while Jose Ignacio Garcia is trying to build momentum for Adelante Andalucia after raising his profile in parliament and on social media.
The campaign will intensify in the coming days, starting with the first televised debate on May 4, followed by a second on May 11.
Both are expected to be key moments in shaping voter opinion before election day.
With polls pointing to a potential solo government but a fragmented opposition, all eyes are now on whether Moreno can turn predictions into a decisive victory or if the race tightens in the final stretch.
Read more Andalucia news at the Spanish Eye.
