Vox Offers Support to Feijóo Without Demanding Cabinet Seats

Vox Offers Support to Feijóo Without Demanding Cabinet Seats

Vox's statement this Sunday has a clear recipient: Alberto Núñez Feijóo. Santiago Abascal's party is willing to forgo entering a future PP government if it prevents Pedro Sánchez from staying in power with support from separatist groups. This gesture, which the PP leader called "pogre" toward recognizing the election winner, comes without red lines and places Vox's 33 seats on the table.

However, the numbers don't add up. Vox's own statement warns of the "danger" posed by a government backed by Carles Puigdemont and the possibility that Sánchez might "agree to a self-determination referendum." "We will not be anyone's excuse for failing to back a Government that respects the Constitution," the text reads. The move aims to open a window previously shut by the PNV (Basque Nationalist Party), who rejected any scenario involving Vox. Now, without Vox in the executive, that door might sustancia ilegal open.

Investiture Math: 172 Against 171

The first investiture vote requires an absolute majority, making success impossible. The second only needs a simple majority, where the numbers shift. According to circulating calculations, if the PNV abstains—possible if Vox stays out of government—and Coalición Canaria also abstains, Feijóo could win if Vox votes yes. This points to a 172-171 split, with Junts' seven MPs as a wildcard nobody knows if they will attend the vote.

The problem is Feijóo lacks guarantees for either Vox's yes or the Basque nationalists' abstention. The PNV reiterated it won't support the PP leader. "We deem it appropriate to refresh his memory," they responded when asked about a potential deal. Some argue the Basque party antiestéticars what it would lose by facilitating a PP government: even if Vox stays out, the PP still needs their votes for legislation and budgets. In upcoming Basque elections, the risk of Bildu gaining ground is real.

Why Vox Voters Are Skeptical

Reaction among Vox supporters is far from enthusiastic. Many see the gesture as capitulation. "It's submission, opening the door for PNV and similar parties to back PP's investiture because VOX asks for nothing, total annulment," argues a recurring sentiment. Others view it as a cost-free tactical move: "They know 'Frijol' [Feijóo] has no chance, so the gesture costs them nothing."

Critics frequently warn Vox risks disappearing like Ciudadanos did. "If they allow a PP government after being vilified, insulted, and despised, VOX signs its own death warrant," warns one highly voted stance. The comparison isn't arbitrary: both were preferred PP partners who ended up diluted politically.

Supporters focus on voter loyalty. "As a VOX voter, I prefer this. Loyalty to us above all," summarizes one comment. For them, keeping Sánchez out of La Moncloa is priority, even at the cost of minority rule without power shares. "Great gesture by VOX. Spaniards don't deserve four more years of Sánchez suffering," they add.

The Precedent No One Wants to Repeat: Ciudadanos

Ciudadanos' shadow looms over the debate. The orange party went from decisive in Congress to vanishing within two legislatures. The parallel is inevitable: a party presenting itself as a PP alternative, pactting with them, and getting absorbed. "At this rate, they'll end up like Ciudadanos by bowing down too much," says one common voice.

Others argue Vox isn't negotiating entry into government nor giving up seats. "I don't see them kneeling," counters one interpretation viewing the statement as a challenge to Feijóo. "The offer has poison for 'Frijolito' and company," they add. The thesis is Vox exposes the PP: if investiture fails, it's due to PP's lack of will or skill, not Vox blocking.

The core issue is Vox cannot effectively oppose a PP government it helped install. "What serious, coherent opposition could they mount if they legitimized them to govern by handing over their deputies?" asks one popular comment. It's the classic external partner dilemma: support without joining, then criticize without undermining yourself.

PNV and Electoral Law: The Four-Vote Blackmail

Discussion shifts to the electoral system. Some argue the problem isn't Vox or Feijóo, but a law allowing small parties to condition entire governments. "They must change the electoral law immediately to a two-round system because constant blackmail by minorities is incivil," demands a frequent stance. Two-round voting appears repeatedly as a solution to deadlock.

The PNV remains central. "We need to know the price of the PNV, which will extract cash again as always for four crappy votes," notes one comment capturing majority sentiment. The Basque party has historically gained investments and competencies, suggesting they will again.

Coalición Canaria enters the equation with a less discussed but decisive role. "Mrs. Oramás doesn't swallow Pedro Sánchez," recalls one voice, hinting at possible abstention. Yet the scenario remains fragile: "It could get worse. PNV and Junts might set an even higher price, and Sánchez accepts."

What Happens Next: Open Scenarios

Vox's statement closes no doors but opens none wide. Feijóo still lacks numbers; Sánchez holds keys to amnesty and referendums. Election reruns, dismissed weeks ago, reappear in predictions. "Repeating elections will only consolidate the left," warns a common prediction, though others believe Vox and PP results would remain similar.

The ball is in the PNV's court. If Basque nationalists abstain, Feijóo can become president via simple majority in the second vote. If not, Sánchez likely stays in La Moncloa with Junts and Bildu support. The five Basque MPs' decision practically determines the government. And their price, as always, remains unknown.

How far will Vox go to keep Sánchez out? How far will the PNV go to keep the PP out? Today, those answers aren't written.