Results breakdown of the 2011 Spanish local elections (Asturias)

The 2011 Spanish local elections were held on Sunday, 22 May 2011, simultaneously with regional elections in thirteen autonomous communities. This entry focuses specifically on the results in the autonomous community of Asturias.

Overall Context:

The 2011 local elections in Spain took place amidst a backdrop of economic crisis and rising unemployment. Nationally, the elections resulted in a significant defeat for the Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE), then the ruling party at the national level, and a major victory for the People's Party (PP).

Asturias Specifics:

In Asturias, the elections determined the composition of the municipal councils (Ayuntamientos) in the 78 municipalities of the region. The regional political landscape in Asturias at the time was characterized by a fragmented left, with the PSOE traditionally holding a dominant position but facing increasing competition from smaller left-wing parties, notably United Left (IU). The PP, as in the rest of Spain, was the main opposition force.

Key Parties Contesting the Elections:

• Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE): The incumbent party in many Asturian municipalities and at the regional level.
• People's Party (PP): The main opposition party, aiming to gain ground in Asturias.
• United Left (IU): A coalition of left-wing parties, typically holding the balance of power in some municipalities.
• Union, Progress and Democracy (UPyD): A relatively new, centrist party seeking to gain representation.
• Foro Asturias (FAC): A regionalist, centre-right party, having emerged from a split within the PP, gaining traction and competing for voters on a regional level.

General Result Patterns:

Across Asturias, the 2011 local elections generally followed the national trend, with the PSOE experiencing losses and the PP making gains. The rise of Foro Asturias also played a significant role, particularly in central areas, siphoning votes from both the PP and the PSOE. United Left maintained a presence in some areas, holding the key to coalitions in several municipalities.

Impact on Municipal Governance:

The election results determined the composition of municipal governments across Asturias. Depending on the specific municipality, the outcome led to:

• PSOE-led governments: Maintaining power, often through coalition agreements with other left-leaning parties.
• PP-led governments: Gaining control, sometimes outright but often reliant on agreements with other parties.
• Foro Asturias-led governments: Winning key municipalities based on the relative rise of their popularity.
• Coalition governments: A necessity in many municipalities, requiring negotiation and compromise between different parties to form stable local governments. The specific makeup varied, involving combinations of the PSOE, PP, IU, Foro Asturias and other minor parties depending on local circumstances.

Further Research:

Detailed breakdowns of specific municipalities, including vote counts and council compositions, can be found in official election results published by the Spanish Ministry of the Interior and regional election authorities. Analysis of the political consequences and shifts in power can be found in news archives and academic studies focusing on the 2011 Spanish local elections.