A heated debate erupted this week in the Madrid Assembly: the Vox party proposed a total ban on the wearing of the Islamic headscarf in public spaces, including schools, hospitals, and sports facilities. However, the regional branch of Partido Popular (PP) firmly opposed the initiative, calling it unconstitutional and accusing Vox of attempting to manipulate public opinion.
While both political forces agree on the need to restrict the use of the burqa and other face-covering garments for security reasons and out of respect for personal dignity, PP refused to support a blanket ban on the hijab. Party representatives stressed that current legislation already imposes certain restrictions on such clothing items in specific cases, such as educational institutions or places with special identification requirements.
During the discussion, it became clear that PP was not willing to amend Vox’s proposed bill and preferred to maintain its own, more balanced stance. The party believes that such initiatives could lead to further polarization in society and violate the principle of religious freedom enshrined in Spanish law. PP representatives also pointed out that existing regulations already govern public appearance, making additional bans unnecessary.
Vox, in turn, insists that the Islamic headscarf is not a religious symbol, but an instrument of ideological pressure incompatible with European values and women’s rights. The party even drew parallels between wearing the hijab and displaying Palestinian flags in educational institutions, which sparked a wave of criticism from Madrid’s left-wing forces.
Despite partially converging views on the issue of the burqa, there remains a deep divide between the two parties regarding the methods and extent of restrictions. The regional leader used the opportunity to accuse Vox of seeking to radicalize public debate and artificially stir up tensions. In the end, the PP maintained its position, refusing to support an initiative it considers overly categorical and inconsistent with the spirit of Spanish democracy.
