Ahead of the 47th anniversary of the adoption of Spain’s Constitution, the Vox party introduced a tough new initiative: its leader, Santiago Abascal, instructed all party members to abstain from attending any official events organized by the socialists or their allies. This decision came as a surprise even on the Spanish political stage, where party tensions are common, but such an overt display of distance is rare.
Vox leadership sent clear instructions to deputies at all levels, from national to municipal. They were told not to attend events organized by the PSOE or its supporters. If attendance is unavoidable, party members are advised not to be photographed with socialists or appear in joint public settings. In small towns and municipalities, where personal relationships often outweigh political differences, these directives have caused noticeable tension and even bewilderment among local politicians.
Vox takes a hard line
In the party’s statement, Vox emphasized it does not intend to celebrate the Constitution alongside those who, in their view, violate its principles. Specifically, this refers to the government led by the socialists and their regional independence-supporting allies. Vox representatives believe that appearing together at official events is unacceptable and contradicts their political beliefs.
In cases where events are held under the auspices of a PSOE-controlled government, Vox members will completely ignore invitations. Instead, they plan to make public statements and post videos on social media to explain their position and emphasize their support for the Constitution—but with a caveat: they are not willing to celebrate this day with the Socialists.
Special conditions for coalitions
Interestingly, in regions and municipalities governed by the Partido Popular (PP), Vox representatives allow themselves to participate in official ceremonies. However, even there, they intend to avoid taking joint photos with Socialists and will only distribute images that do not include PSOE representatives. Moreover, Vox is demanding that its coalition partners from the PP end any agreements with the Socialists, adding further tension to the relationship between the two right-wing forces.
In cities where Vox and PP are governing together, the situation becomes even more complicated. Here, Constitution Day events will proceed as usual, and Socialists will not be barred from attending. However, Vox representatives are already warning that they will take the opportunity to publicly voice their stance and explain why they do not support celebrating alongside PSOE.
Local response
In small towns, where political and personal relationships are closely intertwined, the new Vox directives have met with a mixed response. Some local councilors admit that it is difficult to follow such a strict line, since in small communities, party disagreements often take a back seat. Nevertheless, party leaders insist on strict adherence to these instructions, emphasizing that this is a matter of principle, not a temporary tactic.
As a result, disputes have already broken out in a number of municipalities between representatives of different parties, as well as within the coalitions themselves. Some politicians are concerned that this policy of isolation could further escalate the political climate and complicate the work of local government.
Impact on the political climate
Vox’s decision to boycott events organized by socialists has sparked debate not only among politicians but in society as a whole. Many commentators note that such steps could increase polarization in Spain’s already tense political environment. Meanwhile, party supporters argue that this stance is necessary to defend the principles set out in the Constitution and to signal their disagreement with the actions of the current government.
It is still unclear whether this initiative will lead to lasting changes in relations between the parties or will remain a temporary measure tied to a specific date. However, it is already evident that the country’s political landscape is becoming increasingly fragmented, and dialogue between the main forces is growing ever more difficult.
In case you didn’t know, Santiago Abascal is the founder and long-standing leader of Vox, a party that has become one of the most prominent political forces in Spain in recent years. The party is known for its hardline stance on national unity, migration, and traditional values. Vox actively opposes autonomist and separatist movements and is critical of the policies of the socialists and left-wing parties. Under Abascal’s leadership, the party has achieved significant electoral success and continues to expand its influence across various regions of the country.
