In recent months, Spain’s political landscape has changed considerably. The Partido Popular (PP), under the leadership of Alberto Núñez Feijóo, unexpectedly abandoned its usual caution and began making bolder, more unequivocal statements. This move was a response to the growing popularity of radical forces and increasing polarization in society.
Previously, the PP avoided getting involved in heated debates, believing that stability and moderation would secure voter support. However, this strategy stopped working: voters are increasingly drawn to parties that are unafraid to speak openly about difficult topics and propose radical changes. As a result, the PP found itself having to choose between sticking with its old approach and competing with more aggressive political players.
Particular attention was drawn to an initiative to tighten migration policy. The new proposal, which associates the Muslim population with rising crime, sparked a strong public reaction. Many saw this as an attempt to take over the agenda from Vox, a party that has long based its rhetoric on such issues. However, these ideas have been discussed within the PP for years, and now they have moved to the forefront. The problem is that such measures are based on dividing people by origin and religion, causing concern even among some party supporters.
The introduction of the ‘points-based card’ system for migrants, which has already been jokingly dubbed ‘moros no’, has become a symbol of this new direction. In essence, this initiative contradicts the traditions of Christian democracy that the party had previously relied on. But times have changed, and the PP is now forced to adapt to new realities, where populist slogans and the fight against the ‘internal enemy’ take center stage.
While the PP is just beginning to master the language of the 21st century, its rivals have long been fluent in it. The Socialists, led by Pedro Sánchez, have turned into a party where one person makes the decisions and internal debates have all but disappeared. Vox, meanwhile, makes no secret of its alignment with American right-wing movements and actively borrows their methods. In this environment, the PP risks losing its own identity if it continues to imitate the strategies of others.
Today, Spanish politics resembles an arena where every move can lead to unexpected consequences. Populism is quickly becoming the norm, and topics that were recently considered taboo are now discussed at the highest levels. The question is how far the parties are willing to go in the fight for votes—and whether this will lead to an even deeper divide in society.
