A change of direction in Madrid's politics
In a move that has surprised many, the Popular Party (PP) of Isabel Díaz Ayuso has sealed an agreement with Vox that marks a milestone in the migration policy of the Community of Madrid. This Thursday, during a session in the Assembly, both parties jointly voted in favour of a non-legislative proposal that introduces the concept of ‘national priority’, a term that until recently was considered taboo by the Popular Party.
The initiative arises after months of pressure from the party led by Santiago Abascal, who has used ‘national priority’ as a banner to demand that social aid and public services be preferentially reserved for Spaniards. Despite the PP's initial rejection of this ideological framework, the recent agreement suggests an opening towards positions more aligned with Vox.
The PP found a justification for its change by introducing the concept of ‘arraigo’, which allows prioritising access to public resources not only for Spanish citizens but also for those with stable ties to Madrid. This modification seeks to soften the impact of the agreement and avoid legal conflicts with current regulations.
Despite the PP's attempt to present this pact as a legal and constitutional adaptation, criticism was swift. The left accused the ruling party of yielding to the ideological pressures of Vox. On the other hand, the conservative bloc celebrated this advance as a strategic victory in the struggle for control of the migration discourse.
This agreement could have significant repercussions in the upcoming elections and in how migration policy will be addressed in Madrid. With this alliance, Ayuso seems willing to compete directly with Vox for the more conservative electorate. In the words of Isabel Pérez Moñino, parliamentary spokesperson for Vox: “Make sure to inform the absent president, who is campaigning today in Mexico, that in 2027 she will have to sit down with VOX and national priority will be a true reality in Madrid.”
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