Promotional posters of Spain's PSOE, Popilar Party, and Sumar are pinned to a billboard in Andalusia, Spain, on July 17, 2023. (AFP)

The Spanish general elections will take place on Sunday, July 23, after Spain's Prime Minister called for a snap election following a poor performance in regional elections.

If the results of the polls translate tomorrow, the Popular Party (PP) led by Alberto Nunez Feijoo is the most likely to win in tomorrow's elections. However, data suggest that the party will be unable to secure the majority and will likely be forced to ally with far-right party Vox to form a government.

On the other hand, the Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE) of the incumbent Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez is looking to extend its run in governance, as it will most probably ally itself with the radical left alliance in Spain, Sumar (Unite). PSOE is the oldest political party currently active in the country and has been in government longer than any other party.

The latest polls in Spain show that PP will get 33%-36% of the votes while PSOE will receive under 29%. The more radical parties, Vox and Sumar are expected to gain between 12.5%-13.5% each respectively, which means that forming a government, be it on any side of the political spectrum, will require an alliance between at least two of the parties.

On the economy

PSOE has pointed to the government's achievement in 2022 of expanding the economy by 5.5% and cutting inflation to 1.9% in June; a great figure when compared to indicators of neighboring European countries. The party has promised to extend a windfall tax on banks, energy firms, and large fortunes, a policy its possible ally, Sumar, wants to make permanent.

However, PP says the Spanish left has ignored the fact that Spanish families' purchasing power has been cut and suggests a slash on consumer goods, specifically meat, fish, and canned goods. The party also pledges to reduce taxes for families, self-employed individuals, and businesses, by reforming the Spanish tax system. However, the party has also stated that it will remove taxes on large fortunes.

The Socialist government increased the minimum wage and reformed the labor market to reduce unemployment in the country, and the party is now suggesting a "full employment deal agreed with unions and employers groups."

The right in Spain voted against the labor reform, however, they later admitted that it is "broadly good" and pledged not to overturn it. The party is focused on tackling increasing levels of public debt that have ailed the country since the pandemic and risen above 110% of Spain's GDP.

Furthermore, the party wants to overturn a recently approved housing law that caps rental increases to protect tenants.

On the environment

Sanchez's decision to call for an early election has been criticized by the Popular Party leader who pointed to factors, such as the scorching heat and holiday season, as factors that could hinder voter turnout. Climate change may impact Spain on levels greater than abstentionism. Here are the main policies that each of Spain's parties will look to push for in case of a victory.

The radical left, Sumar, has been pushing for a "just green transition," a field of politics in which the ruling PSOE is also highly interested as it targets protecting environmental spaces and focusing on green energy.

In contrast, PP has pushed for a more optimized and productive view of environmental issues as it looks to extend the lifespan of nuclear power plants and work on the development of green hydrogen.

Irrigation has also been a key issue in Spanish politics since the country is one of Europe's main sources of fruit and vegetable.

The right has promised "to bring water where there is none," while the left says Spain should reform its agricultural models.

The far-right party, Vox, is not as concerned with climate change issues and is pushing for policies of intensive farming, which require a great amount of irrigation. It has also promised to pull out the country from the Paris Agreement and overturn laws on climate change and green transition.

On social issues

The right in Spain has also taken a dig at Sanchez's policies that its leader described as Sanchismo, which he promises to overthrow. This includes tightening immigration laws to restrict the phenomenon while strengthening border control. The party will also look to slash abortion laws that allow minors aged 16-17 to make the decision without parental approval.

Sanchez's coalition was also able to push for a sexual consent law labeled "Only Yes Means Yes." However, the legislation backfired as it offered more than 1,000 convicted rapists a loophole to cut jail time, prompting an apology from Mr. Sanchez as he pushed through changes to the law.

Furthermore, Spain has seen calls for independence from both the Catalan and Basque regions as nationalists look to form their own autonomous states, making this a factor that could prove essential for PSOE results on Sunday. Sanchez has managed to ally himself with independence seekers in Catalonia and the Basque, after granting amnesty to nine politicians who were jailed for their involvement in the 2017 independence bid. He has also engaged in talks with the pro-independence Catalan administration to resolve the territorial issues. This has been heavily criticized by right-wing parties.

The #Spanish general elections are set for July 23rd.
Here's your guide for the elections and its importance for #Spain. pic.twitter.com/CWOVeTqf6K
— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) July 17, 2023