The PP of Alberto Núñez Feijóo has launched its campaign for the Andalusian elections with the slogan “You pay more, you receive less”, accusing María Jesús Montero, former vice president and socialist candidate for the Junta de Andalucía, of being one of the main responsible for the "tax hell" that, according to the popular party, the Government of Pedro Sánchez has imposed. Feijóo and his team have linked Montero directly with the Executive's fiscal policies, emphasizing the more than one hundred tax increases since 2018, something that, according to PP sources, seriously affects Andalusians.
In an attempt to wear down Montero, the members of Feijóo's team have pointed out that the socialist candidate is “the one who has raised taxes the most and collected the most”. They have also linked her with corruption scandals that involve the PSOE, recalling her relationship with the operations of Sánchez's Government, such as the rescue of Air Europa and Plus Ultra. In the words of the same sources, Montero is “involved in all the controversial matters of sanchismo”.
Redoubled offensive in social media
The PP has not only resorted to its traditional speeches at rallies, but has also intensified its presence on social media, with the dissemination of a video that harshly criticizes the "fiscal voracity" of the current government. In the clip, a voice-over states that "It's not your back that's creaking, it's Pedro Sánchez's taxes", trying to connect with the growing popular frustration over the tax increase and the lack of response to problems such as the Adamuz accident in which 46 people died.
Sources from Génova have also warned about the risks involved in maintaining an aggressive tax policy, assuring that the policies of the Sánchez Government have not served to improve public services. The criticisms towards Montero have also focused on the use of public funds, implicating the socialist candidate in “kickbacks” and “cronyism” within the PSOE.
PP's fiscal proposals for Andalusia
In addition to his attacks on the Government's taxation, Feijóo and his team have highlighted a series of concrete tax proposals that they intend to implement if they win the Andalusian elections. These include the reduction of VAT on basic foodstuffs to 5% while the war lasts, the reduction of income tax (IRPF) from the first year of the legislature and the income tax (IRPF) bonus for young people during the first four years.
The PP has also committed to exempting from VAT self-employed individuals who bill less than 85,000 euros, and has underlined its opposition to the inheritance and gift tax, proposing its non-recovery in any territory. Regarding the control of taxation, the party assures that it will present a tax model adapted to the 21st century.
The electoral campaign and the challenge of the absolute majority
As the election day approaches, the PP redoubles efforts to achieve the absolute majority in Andalusia. According to party sources, expectations remain high, despite the challenges posed by Vox and the distribution of votes in the eight Andalusian provinces. In this regard, Feijóo has trusted in the profile of Juanma Moreno, president of the Junta and candidate for re-election, who has received the management endorsement after a legislature marked by complicated situations, such as the accident in Adamuz and the floods of February.
In recent days, the PP has intensified its activity in Andalusia with the presence of more national officials, such as Elías Bendodo, Juan Bravo and other key members of the party. Feijóo has also announced his own electoral caravan, a strategy he already used in 2019 to support Moreno and which on this occasion aims to expand the PP's presence in all Andalusian provinces.
The challenge of recovering the absolute majority in Andalusia
The PP faces a complicated scenario in Andalusia, but continues to trust in the management of Juanma Moreno and the fiscal proposals presented. As the election date approaches, the party does not rule out reaching the absolute majority despite the challenges posed by Vox and the fragmentation of votes in the eight Andalusian provinces.