MADRID — The Socialist Party of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez endured a major defeat on Sunday in an election in the Spanish region of Aragón, while the far right made substantial gains.
The conservative People’s Party (PP), which governs the north-eastern region, came first with 34.3 percent support, but its 26 seats represented a loss of two and left it well short of a majority in the 67-seat chamber.
With 99 percent of votes counted the Socialists secured 24.3 percent, good for 18 seats but representing a loss of five, equaling their worst-ever result in the region. Aragón is known as “Spain’s Ohio” because, like the U.S. state, it tends to serve a barometer of the national electoral mood.
Meanwhile, the far-right Vox secured 14 seats with support of 17.9 percent, double what it won in the last election in 2023 and echoing its strong performance recently in national polls.
The party campaigned hard in Aragón’s rural areas, pitching to farmers unhappy with EU regulations.
“This is not the result we wanted,” said the Socialist candidate, Pilar Alegría. “An uncertain horizon has opened up in Aragón.”
Sunday’s was the first of three elections scheduled in the coming months in PP-held regions in Spain, and will be followed by Castilla y León in March and Andalusia in June.
Both the PP and the Socialists used the regional election to discuss broader national issues.
The PP presented the election as a referendum on the tenure of Sánchez, whose coalition has been rocked by scandals affecting his party and allies. Two January train crashes that killed 47 people and triggered rail chaos around the country have compounded Sánchez’s woes.
His Socialists, meanwhile, presented the Aragón vote as a chance to push back against a radical right-wing tide that is sweeping Spain and other parts of the world.
In a highly fragmented parliament, the PP’s only option to continue in government now appears to be a coalition or a less formal alliance with Vox.
The snap election was called by regional President Jorge Azcón after Vox withdrew its support for his conservative government. With many voters jumping from the PP to Vox, the far-right party is now in a strong position to seek concessions for backing the PP.
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<img src="https://www.mtlblog.com/media-library/cherry-blossoms-bloom-at-montreal-s-botanical-garden.jpg?id=58372870&width=1245&height=700&coordinates=45%2C0%2C45%2C0"/><br/><br/><p>If you're planning your next spring getaway, you don't have to travel all the way to Japan to experience breathtaking cherry blossoms. As per Skyscanner's latest <a href="https://www.skyscanner.ca/travel-trends/botanical" target="_blank">travel trends report</a>, Canada has its own stunning cherry blossom hotspots, with Montreal earning a spot among the top destinations for fans of the flower in 2025.</p><p>The report, shared in an email with MTL Blog, highlights that 71% of Canadians enjoy visiting gardens on vacation, while over half (55%) are eager to see cherry blossoms this year. This aligns with Skyscanner's 2025 "horti-culture" travel trend, as travellers increasingly seek out picturesque natural escapes.</p><p>Typically, cherry blossoms in Montreal bloom between April and May, but warmer temperatures could lead to an earlier showing.</p><p>With that in mind, here are a handful of the best places to experience cherry blossoms in Montreal this year, according to Skyscanner.</p><h3>Parc Jean-Drapeau</h3><br/><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BFMyyWKlAdr/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=c3db41d3-b11c-4cc7-be22-40f0f296c92f" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BFMyyWKlAdr/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=c3db41d3-b11c-4cc7-be22-40f0f296c92f" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>Located on île Sainte-Hélène and Notre Dame Island, <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/tag/parc-jean-drapeau" target="_blank">Parc Jean-Drapeau</a> offers a breathtaking springtime display of cherry blossoms that line its scenic paths and waterfront views. Whether you're jogging, biking, or just strolling along, you'll find yourself surrounded by delicate pink blooms creating a serene and picturesque atmosphere.</p><h3>Montreal Botanical Garden</h3><br/><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CfCWsYrLtUS/" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CfCWsYrLtUS/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>One of Montreal's most beloved spots, the Montreal Botanical Garden boasts a dedicated Japanese Garden where cherry blossoms bloom beautifully each spring. Visitors can take a peaceful walk through the immaculately designed garden, soaking in the tranquillity and beauty of nature's seasonal show.</p><h3>Westmount Park</h3><br/><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CAlrr86DKG1/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=2b2123c2-87f4-4ce5-9948-704387dabe63" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CAlrr86DKG1/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=2b2123c2-87f4-4ce5-9948-704387dabe63" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>Nestled in one of Montreal's most picturesque neighbourhoods, Westmount Park offers a lush urban oasis with cherry blossom trees that enhance the park's elegance. The quiet, relaxing vibe makes it a popular spot for locals looking to enjoy a picnic under the blossoms or capture the perfect Instagram shot.</p><p>Other popular cherry blossom hotspots in Canada included:</p><ul><li>Toronto, ON: High Park, Trinity Bellwoods Park, University of Toronto St. George Campus (April–May)</li><li>Ottawa, ON: Commissioner’s Park, Major’s Hill Park, Dominion Arboretum (April–May)</li><li>Victoria, BC: Butchart Gardens, Beacon Hill Park, Government House Gardens (March–April)</li><li>Halifax, NS: Halifax Public Gardens, Point Pleasant Park, Dalhousie University (April–May)</li></ul><p><em>Love this? Check out our <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/notices/" target="_blank">MTL Blog noticeboard</a> for details on jobs, benefits, travel info and more!</em></p>
<p><em>AI tools may have been used to support the creation or distribution of this content; however, it has been carefully edited and fact-checked by a member of MTL Blog's Editorial team. For more information on our use of AI, please visit our <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/editorial-standards" target="_blank">Editorial Standards page</a>.</em></p><p><br/></p>
