The question of why the Vox party is gaining more and more supporters has become one of the most pressing issues for Spanish society. The answer to this affects not only the future of political alliances, but also the direction the country will take in the coming years. The discussion goes far beyond parliamentary debates, impacting millions of citizens concerned about changes in the political atmosphere.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has found himself in the spotlight, firmly rejecting accusations that his government is the catalyst for the rise of the far right. Sánchez argues that the responsibility lies with the Partido Popular (PP), which, in his view, not only fails to oppose radicals but is increasingly adopting their rhetoric and tactics. In response, PP representatives claim that it is the current government’s policies, reforms, and style of governance that are pushing voters towards supporting Vox.
Tensions reached a peak during the latest Congress session. Sánchez delivered a tough speech, accusing the opposition of ‘rolling out the red carpet’ for Vox and of using slogans increasingly similar to those of the far right. He stressed that, on the contrary, his cabinet is enacting measures that Vox strongly opposes, such as those addressing climate change and social policy. Sánchez insists that the rise of the far right cannot be blamed on those who consistently pursue an opposing course.
Political maneuvering
PP leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo is in no hurry to take responsibility for Vox’s successes. During the debates, he avoided direct answers to accusations, choosing instead to focus on criticizing the government and competing with Vox in harsh rhetoric against Sánchez. This has created the impression that PP and Vox are moving closer together, especially against the backdrop of coalition talks in the regions.
When Vox leader Santiago Abascal took the podium, his speech was predictably tough. He once again focused on issues of migration and the ‘replacement of the population,’ accusing the government of planning to legalize migrants for future votes. Such statements resonate with part of the electorate, even though the naturalization process in Spain takes years and cannot quickly tip the electoral balance.
The importance of understanding why Vox is growing became especially evident in the most recent elections. According to many analysts, it was precisely the fear of the far right that mobilized a significant portion of progressive voters, helping Sánchez retain power. However, experts now believe that this factor is losing strength, and left-leaning voters are less responsive to the threat from Vox.
Rhetoric and comparisons
During the parliamentary debate, Sánchez firmly opposed attempts to equate the Socialists’ cooperation with left-wing parties to the alliance between the right and the far right. He reminded that, historically, communists in Spain fought for freedom and democracy—not for dictatorship—and that comparing them to those who still justify authoritarian regimes is incorrect. In his view, such comparisons are part of a strategy to ‘normalize’ the far right and reduce public vigilance toward their ideas.
For its part, the PP continues to insist that it is Sánchez himself and his policies that are fueling the rise in Vox’s popularity. Feijóo has repeatedly stated in public speeches that both sides—the government and the far right—feed off each other, creating a climate of constant conflict. However, this time in Congress, there was not a single open clash between the PP and Vox leaders, which only fueled suspicions about a possible convergence of positions.
In this context, it is worth recalling a recent high-profile dispute in Spain related to the public defense of democracy. In particular, journalists and public figures engaged in a debate with Elon Musk after his comments about Sánchez, once again raising the issue of boundaries for acceptable rhetoric and responsibility for the political consequences of words.
Consequences for the country
Currently, PP and Vox are negotiating coalition agreements in several regions, including Extremadura and Aragón, as well as possibly in Castilla y León and Andalucía. In recent days, Feijóo has made several statements widely interpreted as a clear sign of his willingness to cooperate with the far right. This has heightened concerns among left-wing parties that, should progressive voter turnout decline, the country could see a government where Vox plays a key role.
Sánchez, for his part, continues to insist that his government is the only real barrier preventing the far right from taking power. He argues that voters, when faced with a choice between the original (Vox) and the copy (PP), increasingly prefer the former if they do not see a clear alternative. At the same time, he mocks his opponents by pointing to their collaboration with radical activists and groups, which he believes ultimately blurs the lines between traditional and far-right politics.
In recent years, Spain has become a stage for sweeping political changes, forcing traditional parties to seek new survival strategies. The rise of radical movements is evident not only here, but across Europe. In neighboring Portugal and in France, far-right groups are also strengthening their positions, raising concerns among supporters of democratic values. The surge in support for such parties is often accompanied by heated debates about the causes of their success and who bears responsibility for it. In Spain, this controversy has taken on particular urgency against the backdrop of recent regional elections and ongoing debates about the country’s future.
