The intense struggle between the PP and Vox to capture the right-wing vote in Catalonia has led Alberto Núñez Feijóo, leader of the Popular Party, to embrace populist and xenophobic messages from the far right. Feijóo has directly linked illegal immigration with alleged security and occupation problems, calling for the support of those who are concerned about crime rates, theft, and recidivism in Catalonia. He also criticized the central government and its policies, claiming that things would be different under a leader like Felipe González. The PP aims to outperform Vox in the upcoming regional elections, with the goal of quadrupling their results, as indicated by polls.
During a campaign event in Cornellà de Llobregat, Barcelona, Feijóo and the PP candidate, Alejandro Fernández, focused on security issues in Catalonia. The PP is determined to surpass Vox in the polls, after being outperformed by them in the Parliament in 2021. They are also looking to capitalize on the decline of Ciudadanos, as shown by recent polls. The PP hopes to increase their number of seats from 3 to 13, while Vox is expected to have a minor decrease from 11 to 10. The PP’s strategy is to highlight issues related to legal immigration and the purported security problems it poses in Catalonia, a region with a high number of foreign-born residents.
The PP’s shift towards more populist and xenophobic rhetoric is part of their strategy to attract voters who are concerned about security and immigration issues. Feijóo and the PP are trying to differentiate themselves from Vox, while also appealing to potential supporters who hold similar views on these topics. The PP’s aim is not only to gain more seats in the upcoming elections but also to weaken the influence of Vox in Catalonia. They believe that by focusing on issues that resonate with voters, such as crime and immigration, they can increase their chances of success in the polls.
The PP’s decision to embrace controversial rhetoric and align with far-right positions has sparked debate and criticism within and outside the party. Some see it as a necessary step to compete with Vox and gain support from right-wing voters, while others view it as a dangerous strategy that could lead to further polarization and division in Catalan society. The upcoming regional elections will be a test of whether the PP’s approach pays off and whether their message resonates with voters who are concerned about security, immigration, and other key issues in Catalonia.
In conclusion, the PP’s efforts to appeal to right-wing voters by adopting populist and xenophobic rhetoric in Catalonia reflect their desire to strengthen their position in the region and outperform Vox in the upcoming regional elections. By focusing on issues such as security and immigration, the PP aims to attract support from voters who share similar concerns and distinguish themselves from their political rivals. The outcome of the elections will determine the success of the PP’s strategy and its impact on the political landscape in Catalonia.
