Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's Socialists appeared headed for another setback as a key regional election in Andalusia began on Sunday, a possible dress rehearsal for next year's national vote.
Corruption investigations into his family and former top political allies have eroded Sanchez's popularity at home, even as clashes with US President Donald Trump and Israel increase his standing abroad.
Regions wield wide-ranging powers in areas including health, education and housing in Spain's decentralised political system, making the election in the country's most populous region especially significant.
Andalusia -- a sun-soaked tourist magnet famed for its Mediterranean beach resorts and historic cities such as Seville, Granada and Cordoba -- was governed by the Socialists for almost 40 years.
But polling suggests the main conservative Popular Party (PP), which came to power in the southern region in 2019, will again defeat the Socialists in their historic heartland.
