In recent months, Spain has seen growing concern over a significant increase in support for the Vox party among young people, especially men aged 18 to 34. According to recent poll data, nearly every second young Spanish man is ready to vote for the far right. This trend has taken politicians by surprise, as youth have traditionally supported left-wing parties, and Podemos was once considered their main choice.
The government acknowledges the urgency of the situation. Ministers of economy, housing, and inclusion are actively discussing how to reverse the trend and regain the trust of young voters. The main focus is on housing policy—a matter authorities see as the key issue for young people. In the current parliamentary session, the government is paying much more attention to the housing problem than before. The housing minister insists: if the housing crisis can’t be resolved, young people will ultimately become disillusioned and shift their support to the far right.
In the coming days, Congress will hold a debate on housing issues, initiated by Vox. Authorities intend to use concrete figures to counter common myths among youth about state inefficiency and the need for complete trust in the market. Catalonia is cited as an example, where a new housing reform is already in effect and, according to the government, helps to contain price growth. Meanwhile, in Madrid, where local authorities have been slow to implement these measures, the situation remains tense.
However, housing is not the only battleground. Authorities note that distorted views on migration and the economy are widespread among young people. Research shows that young Spaniards often overestimate the number of migrants in the country, their unemployment rate, and the amount of social assistance they receive. According to ministers, this is the result of active campaigning by far-right groups on social media and in public debates. The government believes it is essential to provide young people with accurate data to break false stereotypes and reduce the appeal of populist slogans.
At the same time, officials acknowledge that despite positive macroeconomic indicators, many citizens are facing rising prices for food and housing. This fuels discontent and drives people to seek radical solutions. That is why the authorities are focusing on strengthening social protections and showcasing the effectiveness of the welfare system. In their view, this is the only way to restore a sense of stability and confidence in the future among young people.
The Housing Minister emphasizes that without concrete action to address the housing crisis, any attempt to persuade young people is doomed to fail. She criticizes the regions where local authorities refuse to implement new laws, arguing that such a stance only strengthens the far-right. The authorities have pledged to continue working to limit short-term rentals and introduce other measures to make housing more affordable for young Spaniards.
