"Spain's Election: A Crucial Battle Against Neofascism and the Hard Right"

Spain is holding a summer election on July 23rd, a highly unusual timing that has been criticized due to scorching temperatures and millions of Spaniards being on holiday. The election comes after four years of left-wing rule, with Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez calling for the vote in response to a poor performance in the May local elections. The Popular Party (PP) under Alberto Núñez Feijóo is favored to win, but their lead has narrowed in the polls. Neither the PP nor the Socialists are projected to win enough votes to govern on their own, potentially requiring support from far-right party Vox or left-wing grouping Sumar. Key campaign issues include LGBT and gender rights, nationalism, and the economy.