Madrid, 28 May 2023 (dpa/MIA) - More than 36 million Spaniards are on Sunday called upon to elect new regional parliaments, municipal assemblies and mayors in a major test for the left-wing governing coalition of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez.

Voting in 12 of the country's 17 Comunidades Autónomas and in the northern enclaves, as well as in nationwide municipal elections, foreshadow parliamentary polls due in the EU member state by December 10.

As well as economic and social issues, the heated election campaign has recently been dominated by criticism of the candidacy of former ETA terrorists and a vote-buying scandal.

Results of the largest opposition party, the conservative People's Party (PP) led by Alberto Núñez Feijóo, are especially awaited. However, the results of smaller left and right parties are also considered important.

According to surveys, neither the Sánchez left-wing PSOE nor the PP will achieve a majority in the parliamentary elections and will therefore need partners to govern.

Sánchez also faces a growing challenge from the newly-formed left-wing Sumer alliance of popular Labour Minister Yolanda Díaz.

A key indicator on Sunday will be the performance of Isabel Díaz Ayuso (PP), the regional head of government in the Madrid region.

The feisty 44-year-old, dubbed the "Spanish Trump" by the media, is hoping for an absolute majority. Another region that will be the focus of much attention on election night is the Comunidad Valenciana, where the PP wants to be in government with the right-wing populist Vox.

Photo: EPA