Left and Right form Senate coalitions to control Constitutional Court

The PSOE and Frente Amplio have finalized a joint coalition for the Senate, dubbed "Senado de Progreso," prompting the PP and Vox to negotiate tactical alliances to preserve their influence. With elections set for November 29, both blocs are racing to secure control of the Chamber, which holds decisive power over the renewal of key judicial institutions.

The Judicial Stakes

The Senate’s primary significance lies in its role in appointing members of the Constitutional Court and the General Council of the Judiciary. Four of the twelve Constitutional Court seats are currently vacant, including that of President Cándido Conde-Pumpido. Source: La Vanguardia Renewal requires a three-fifths majority (161 senators), forcing negotiation between blocks. Control of this body will determine the ideological balance of the court for years, potentially affecting rulings on high-profile cases involving Pedro Sánchez’s family and allies. Source: El Confidencial

Left’s Unified Front

The progressive alliance aims to concentrate left-wing votes to prevent a PP absolute majority. Simulations suggest that if PSOE and Sumar run jointly, they could secure an absolute majority in the Senate, flipping the current conservative hold. Source: elmundoes While some smaller parties deny talks for a similar Congress coalition, the Senate pact is confirmed under radar negotiations to avoid right-wing imitation. Source: La Vanguardia

Right’s Tactical Response

Unable to form a formal coalition due to expired registration deadlines, the PP and Vox are exploring four formulas to achieve the necessary supermajority. These include Vox withdrawing from 17–19 provinces to consolidate the right-wing vote, or integrating Vox candidates as independents on PP lists. Source: elmundoes Source: El Español Santiago Abascal has stated his willingness to make sacrifices to protect the Senate from the left, while Vicente Vallés predicts a "seat-by-seat" battle. Source: ABC

• Senado de Progreso: Joint list for PSOE and Frente Amplio.
• Three-Fifths Majority: Required to appoint Constitutional Court judges without opposition consent.
• Vox Strategy: Potential withdrawal from specific provinces to aid PP results.
• Key Date: Candidatures must be filed by October 26.