[2] Initially endorsed by local farmers, the latter removed their support to the regime after it failed to deliver on its promises, turning away from the dictator and ultimately also from the Monarchy,[2] with the population overwhelmingly voting anti-monarchist candidates in the 1931 municipal elections that installed the Second Republic.

[6] Started in 1949,[7] the Rosarito's Irrigation Plan had a remarkable impact on Navalmoral's economy and demography, notably it allowed the expansion of cotton and tobacco based local industries.

Another public work of the 20th century was the construction of the Valdecañas Reservoir, which enabled exploitation of the Tagus river, providing significant new funds for both Navalmoral town and its comarca, and thus helping to slow down the 1960s decline in population.

In 2015, Raquel Medina, from the Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE), became the new mayor[9] The main festival is the annual carnival, when for five days every early spring three large parades are held.

Navalmoral de la Mata is to be the base of "Expacio-Navalmoral", a logistical-industrial estate which will process, supply and deliver raw material and goods to major centres such as Madrid.