Reflecting on Spain's 2025 Political Challenges and Navigating Uncertain Prospects for 2026

As Spain closes the chapter on a tumultuous 2025, political analysts and leaders reflect on the critical challenges faced and the uncertain landscape ahead. Verónica M. Barbero, spokesperson for the Plurinational Sumar Group, critiques the Popular Party's strategy, which she describes as "Trumpist," undermining democratic institutions while fostering narratives of hatred that empower far-right forces. She underscores the Socialist Workers' Party’s (PSOE) current crisis, marked by inaction that threatens legislative progress and the prospects for a progressive future.

Barbero credits Sumar with pivotal achievements, including their decisive role in preventing a far-right dominated government in 2023, and successes in advancing social policies such as increasing the Minimum Interprofessional Wage, expanding paid leave, and reinforcing public health initiatives. She highlights Spain's principled stance on international issues like the Gaza conflict as a moral imperative and stresses the government’s obligation to protect human and migrant rights domestically.

Looking ahead to 2026, Spain faces a dangerous political year marked by low optimism and heightened fear. The geopolitical context—including the influence of figures like Donald Trump and the ongoing crisis in Ukraine—intensifies global instability. The European Union's dependence on the US for security, exemplified by planned arms purchases, further complicates Spain's position. Domestically, PSOE confronts internal strife and potential electoral setbacks in regional polls, which may precipitate earlier general elections. Leftist parties such as Sumar and Podemos are grappling with internal crises, while the Popular Party is challenged to differentiate itself amid competition from far-right VOX and PSOE.

Beyond politics, Spain contends with social and economic pressures including declining productivity, educational challenges, an intergenerational crisis, tourism strain, and mounting income inequality. These factors collectively make Spain politically and socially vulnerable in 2026.

Barbero concludes that meeting social demands requires renewed political courage and ambition, emphasizing proactive, principled action as essential for progress. Spain’s political actors must navigate these complexities with vision to safeguard democratic institutions and promote social welfare into the new year.