Half a century after burying Franco and fascism, Spain turns again to the far right

With the country going to the ballot box next month, polls indicate Vox could be the latest in a series of far-right parties in ascendancy across Europe, writes Graham Keeley

Supporters wave flags as the leader of far-right party Vox, Santiago Abascal, makes a speech in Madrid (Getty)

Home to the Costa Blanca, Valencia is best known for Spain’s signature dish paella, but this week gained fame of a different kind.

Spain’s eastern region witnessed an alliance between the conservative People’s Party (PP) and the far-right Vox party, which would then go on to take power in coalition with the PP in 10 cities on Saturday in the wake of local elections last month. It is an alliance which could be repeated after a snap general election in July.

Polls suggest the PP is favourite to win at the polls but will only be able to assume power with the help of kingmaker Vox.