A new controversy over public spending is unfolding in Spain: the Ministry of Equality has allocated €231,000 for a large-scale public opinion study on prostitution. This decision is directly linked to plans to tighten legislation and could affect the lives of thousands of citizens. In the coming weeks, the survey results will become a key argument in pushing for a complete ban on prostitution in the country.
Minister Ana Redondo stated that the research data will form the basis for the upcoming bill. According to her, it is public opinion that should determine how the state responds to the issue of prostitution. Authorities are convinced that without a comprehensive analysis, it is impossible to understand Spaniards’ true attitudes towards such a sensitive topic.
Money and decisions
The survey is being conducted by the Center for Sociological Research (Centro de Investigaciones Sociológicas, CIS) led by José Félix Tezanos. The project’s total cost is €330,000, of which €231,000 has been allocated specifically for the research. The scale of the budget has raised concerns among some politicians and members of the public, who believe these funds could have been used more effectively.
The agreement between the Ministry of Equality and CIS was signed on June 20. Under this agreement, a project was launched to study public perceptions of prostitution. The data collected is expected to serve not only as statistics but also as a tool for shaping new laws.
Public reaction
The response to the initiative has been mixed. Some support the idea of banning prostitution, seeing it as necessary to protect vulnerable groups. Others point to possible negative consequences, such as the industry going underground and an increase in crime. The question of whether such expenses for the survey are justified has sparked heated debate.
Many experts note that such studies can only offer a partial picture. However, authorities insist that only by relying on the opinion of the majority can decisions be made that will improve the situation. It will soon become clear how exactly the survey results will influence legislative initiatives.
Context and consequences
Spain has faced attempts to change its approach to prostitution before. In recent years, various regulation options have been discussed, from legalization to a complete ban. Every time, such initiatives have stirred strong emotions and public debate. In 2024, surveys on this topic have already been conducted, but never on this scale.
Other European countries are also debating how to tackle prostitution. Some states have toughened their laws, while others have chosen the path of legalization and regulation. The Spanish experience could serve as an example for neighbors if the new bill is adopted and proves effective.
In recent years, Spain has repeatedly raised questions about the transparency of government spending on research and surveys. Such cases often spark public debate and criticism. In 2025, for example, a major survey on domestic violence was discussed, which also provoked controversy due to its high cost. The practice of using large-scale studies to justify new laws is becoming increasingly common, reflecting a growing interest in considering public opinion in decision-making.
