Spain faces rising political resignation and distrust

Recent data indicates a growing trend of political resignation among the Spanish population. According to the 2026 Edelman Trust Barometer, 75% of Spaniards distrust those with differing political views, while 70% believe leaders lie to them deliberately.

Data from the CIS (Center for Sociological Research) for 2025-2026 shows that more than half of the population feels little to no satisfaction with how democracy functions. Notably, 30.8% of respondents stated they want “none” of the current candidates for president, and 30.6% report having zero confidence in the central government.

This phenomenon is characterized by a shift from indignation to apathy, where citizens recognize political dishonesty but choose to accept it rather than engage in protest or debate. This resignation affects various sectors, including the general electorate and self-employed workers who feel that political changes and regulations do not serve their interests.