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Political polarization and democratic fatigue in Spain

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2026-10-26 07:47 UTC → 2026-10-26 13:51 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Discussions regarding political polarization in Spain have expanded from media criticism to the analysis of voter behavior. Following Pedro Sánchez's announcement of elections for November 29, political analysts are examining a shift in voter psychology. There is a growing debate regarding whether political machines are targeting rational citizens or fostering ‘angry’ voters. While anxiety may lead voters to compare programs, anger tends to drive them toward confirmation and simplification. Critics argue that the PP and PSOE utilize slogans framing the opposition as an existential threat, a phenomenon academic Mariano Torcal describes as the transition ‘from voters to hooligans.’ As the November 29 elections approach, political tensions have intensified. Opposition leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo has accused Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez of stoking social division and failing to maintain public order, specifically linking recent street violence and unrest in Barcelona—which resulted in 128 ~~arrests~~ arrests, including 72 minors, and several injuries to 14 police officers—to the government's political strategies. Feijóo has extended these criticisms to the government's handling of social disturbances in other cities, including Madrid and A Coruña. Esperanza Aguirre has also criticized Sánchez, claiming he suggested he would win the elections ‘one way or another.’ Observers note that extreme rhetoric and insults are being utilized as profitable electoral strategies, particularly by right-wing and far-right factions. This climate is exacerbated by political actors who are viewed as abandoning their role as mediators of social conflict. Furthermore, a shift in digital communication has been noted, with concerns regarding the use of artificial intelligence against political adversaries. In response, Sánchez has centered his campaign on promises to protect abortion ~~rights and~~ rights, increase the minimum ~~wage.~~ wage, and address housing rights and pension sustainability. The pre-campaign period is further complicated by legal uncertainties regarding the ‘Ley de Nietos’ and the Supreme Court's suspension of active voting rights for 163,020 naturalized Spaniards.

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