Opposition claims Spain's ruling Socialists in 'irreversible decline'

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez's Socialists, weakened by corruption and sexual misconduct allegations, slumped to their worst ever result on Sunday in Extremadura.

The largely rural region on the border with Portugal was once a Socialist heartland but the conservative Popular Party (PP) wrested control in 2023 with far-right support.

The PP came out on top again on Sunday with 29 seats out of 65 compared with just 18 for the Socialists, a result PP national leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo called it a "new beginning".

He predicted a conservative surge in local elections due in several regions in the coming months, saying in a speech in Madrid: "Change in Spain is happening."

He added: "The irreversible decline of the Socialist Party has only just begun."

However, the PP again fell short of an absolute majority in Extremadura and will still need support from far-right Vox, which more than doubled its share of seats to 11.

It was the first regional election since a court ordered José Luis Ábalos, a former top aide to Sánchez, to stand trial over claims he took kickbacks related to the awarding of public contracts.

The prime minister's wife, Begoña Gómez, and younger brother, David are also facing graft allegations.

The Socialists have also come under fire in recent weeks for allegedly failing to address sexual harassment by senior male officials.

Sánchez, in office since 2018, has not commented publicly on the election rout, instead announcing Monday a new education minister and government spokeswoman.

He has repeatedly rejected the conservative opposition's calls to resign and call an early general election.