Feijóo names Álvarez de Toledo and Sémper as second and third on Madrid list

Cayetana Álvarez de Toledo has been confirmed as the number two candidate on Alberto Núñez Feijóo’s People’s Party (PP) list for Madrid, with Borja Sémper taking the third spot for the October 29 general election. This strategic pairing is designed to project an image of internal unity by combining two politically distinct profiles within a single ticket.

The Strategic Rationale

The PP leadership describes the selection as a demonstration that the party is "a broad project in which all sensitivities fit." By placing Álvarez de Toledo, who appeals to voters on the fringe between the PP and Vox, alongside Sémper, who targets centrist voters previously supporting Pedro Sánchez, the party aims to maximize its electoral reach. Sources indicate a specific focus on recovering the center-ground vote to overturn the narrow defeat in the 2023 elections, where the right fell just four seats short of forming a government Source: La Vanguardia.

Political Backgrounds

Both candidates have experienced significant fluctuations in their party careers. Álvarez de Toledo was previously dismissed as parliamentary spokesperson by former leader Pablo Casado but has since regained prominence under Feijóo, driven largely by support from Secretary General Miguel Tellado Source: El Confidencial. Sémper, the current national spokesperson, left politics for the private sector in 2020 before returning to the fold in 2023. Their inclusion signals a return to the forefront for both figures after years of being sidelined or absent Source: El Mundo.

Internal Dynamics

While the announcement emphasizes harmony, it also highlights the party's effort to distinguish itself from the PSOE. PP sources state, "Differences in the PP are not combated, they are respected," framing the coalition as one without walls Source: El Español. Although Alma Ezcurra was considered for the second position, Feijóo opted for Álvarez de Toledo due to her proven ability to attract voters and her strong standing within the party base Source: ABC. The decision reflects a calculated move to balance ideological diversity with electoral pragmatism.