Political Polarization Deepens in Spain as Aznar Warns of Fragmented Landscape
New study shows rising political conflicts among Spaniards as former PM Aznar highlights a fragmented and polarized political climate.
- • 14% of Spaniards ended relationships over politics in past year, 60% avoid political discussions.
- • Study finds key divisive issues: immigration, territorial model, gender equality.
- • Vox and media identified as major drivers of polarization, with Abascal and Sánchez seen as polarizing figures.
- • Aznar warns of constitutional crisis, calls for active citizenship and positions PP as main alternative.
Key details
A recent study by More in Common reveals deepening political polarization in Spain, with one in five Spaniards reporting strong political arguments during recent Christmas dinners and 14% having severed family or friendship ties over political differences in the past year. The 'Atlas de la Polarización 2025' study, based on a survey of 2,508 voters, found that 60% now avoid discussing politics socially, with 25% feeling attacked for their opinions and 15% leaving WhatsApp groups over political conflicts. Key divisive issues include immigration, territorial arrangements, and gender equality, while public services and climate action see more consensus. The media, social networks, and the Vox party, particularly its leader Santiago Abascal, are cited as major contributors to the polarization.
Amid this societal division, former Prime Minister José María Aznar presented his book 'Orden y libertad' and offered a critical view of Spain's political climate. He described it as polarized and fragmented due to a "revolution" that erodes cultural values and empowers populism. Aznar characterized the political system as "held hostage" by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez's personal situation and warned of a potential constitutional crisis if governance conditions do not improve. He urged active citizenship and emphasized upcoming elections as vital for Spain's unity and constitutional integrity, pointing to the Popular Party as the only serious constitutional alternative.
Fernando López Miras, President of the PP in Murcia, agreed with Aznar, criticizing the current government's favoritism toward certain parties and lamenting past policy decisions like the repeal of the National Hydrological Plan. Together, their remarks underscore fears of increasing political fragmentation and challenges to Spain’s governance amid growing societal divisions highlighted in the new polarization study.
This article was synthesized and translated from native language sources to provide English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
