Results breakdown of the 2019 Spanish local elections (Aragon)

The 2019 Spanish local elections took place on 26 May 2019, coinciding with the European Parliament elections. This entry focuses specifically on the results within the autonomous community of Aragon.

Overview

The elections determined the composition of the municipal councils in all Aragonese municipalities. Voter turnout, as is typical in local elections, was a significant factor influencing the outcome, and varied across different regions and municipalities within Aragon.

Key Political Parties

The main political parties contending in the 2019 Aragonese local elections were:

• Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE): The PSOE is one of the two major political parties in Spain. In Aragon, they traditionally hold significant support, particularly in rural areas.

• People's Party (PP): The PP is the other major Spanish party. They typically draw support from more conservative voters and urban centers.

• Citizens (Ciudadanos): Ciudadanos is a centrist to center-right party that gained prominence in recent years.

• Podemos: Podemos is a left-wing political party formed in response to the economic crisis.

• Aragonese Union (CHA): CHA is a regionalist party advocating for Aragonese interests.

• Vox: Vox is a right-wing populist party which experienced significant growth across Spain in 2019.

Overall Results

The PSOE generally performed well across Aragon, often winning the most seats overall. However, securing mayoralties and forming stable local governments often required post-election negotiations and coalition agreements with other parties. The PP also maintained a strong presence. Podemos saw mixed results. Ciudadanos managed to gain representation in some municipalities, but their overall performance was weaker than anticipated. CHA continued to be a relevant force particularly in specific Aragonese regions. Vox gained representation in some municipalities, marking their entrance into Aragonese local politics.

Specific Municipality Highlights

• Zaragoza: The capital city saw intense competition. The outcome determined which party would control the city council.

• Huesca: The results in Huesca, another major Aragonese city, were closely watched as an indicator of the broader regional trends.

• Teruel: The results in Teruel are particularly significant due to the province’s declining population and unique political dynamics.

Significance

The results of the 2019 Aragonese local elections had a direct impact on the governance of Aragon's municipalities for the subsequent four years. The election outcomes also provided valuable insights into the shifting political landscape of the region and Spain as a whole, influencing subsequent regional and national elections. The results reflected voter sentiment on issues such as local economic development, social services, and environmental concerns. Post-election negotiations and coalition formation often shaped policy decisions and resource allocation at the local level.