🔗 Share this article Across Spain, The Unthinkable Has Happened Is Gaining Traction: The Young Are Shifting In a Right-Wing Direction. Latest opinion polls indicate that close to four in ten of men in Spain in the 18 to 34 age bracket intend to vote for Vox. The party gained a foothold in the Spanish parliament in recent years and has once again gained momentum. This recent success has expanded beyond a trend limited to male supporters: a fifth of young women say they plan to vote for Vox, with the biggest jump occurring among the youngest voters. Shifting Political Allegiances It appears that those who are younger in contemporary Spain, the greater the chance you will support a faction that promotes, among other things, the deportation of foreign residents to protect “national identity”, the restriction of abortion, assisted dying and LGBTQ+ protections, the dismantling of the European Union’s institutions and the opposition to measures to tackle the environmental emergency. Senior citizens continue to back the two largest parties, the socialist PSOE and the centre-right Popular party (PP). Senior women and over make up the biggest bloc resisting Vox's appeal. In Catalonia stands apart: backing for regional far-right movements is found in senior demographics additionally. What's Driving the Trend Given its past experiences, Spain had long appeared resistant to the growing influence of the nationalist movements. Spain's distinct position has faded, but what accounts for the party's rising popularity among a new generation of Spanish youth? Multiple elements play a role, but two specific emergencies, badly mishandled by the major parties, appear to have drained mainstream support: the deadly floods in Valencia the previous year and blazes over the summer in León, Zamora, Orense and Extremadura. Spain’s quasi-federal system makes it easy to place responsibility both to the centre-left governing coalition and to the right-wing local authorities. At the same time, ethical lapses have once again tainted PSOE and PP. What Matters to the Electorate The last Spanish general election was in 2023 and the main issues mentioned among the party's base at the time focused on migrant policy and “government and political parties”. Statistics regarding under-35 voters remains scarce, but polling shows that housing is the top concern for the broader society and especially for anyone under 35. Income, jobs and living expenses are cited as well. Migration barely registers as an issue for younger voters. But the view of politicians as the issue, which was the second major concern for Vox voters in 2023, is widespread across generations. Researchers note that Vox is now popular in younger circles drawn to the “anti-establishment” image that the party is managing to project – similar to how left-wing and centrist groups achieved years ago. Financial Challenges The nation's finances is notable in the EU for its economic growth and is top-tier in the OECD countries. But it’s still not delivering many, especially youth who join the workforce in urban centers like Barcelona. Addressing the housing crisis is the most important issue for those under 35, who are less wealthy than seniors largely owing to the expensive real estate in the urban employment hubs. Wages are still low versus European averages. In the last twenty years, retirees have grown wealthier than young adults, particularly those with children, according to statistics. Living standards have improved in multiple areas – the country is wealthier, more developed, more inclusive and more secure. But intergenerational tension is growing as the expansion has moderated at the same pace as in the 1980s and 1990s. The Image of Politicians How can traditional politicians respond – notably for progressive parties, which historically relied on the support of progressive young adults? One obvious answer could include confront the current political norms and end constant arguing. Leaders, especially from the major parties, devote so much energy, constantly, to personal attacks it's unsurprising they attract widespread public cynicism, if not ridicule. Usually this remains background static amid daily routines. But a public backlash is evident when this, often performative, conflict occurs during a serious crisis. However, it's difficult to identify an official from PSOE or PP in federal and local administration – those who bear the greatest responsibility – ready to hesitate before attacking a rival, amid incomplete information. The Valencia Situation Concerning the Valencia region, there is a clearcut case the right-wing local administration should explain. It is shocking that they still hold power a full year after failing flood notifications throughout the deluge. Madrid appropriately points out the local government's failures and inaction on global warming, which is changing the country while the far-right (and now the PP) redirect public discourse. But is a public row necessary for each issue? Consequences of the System This political culture may help to win elections temporarily, but evidence shows a perilous way forward. PSOE officials frequently claim leaders vary, and they're correct. But challenging to make citizens that there are clear policy differences when so many in prominent roles appear identical on digital platforms. Spanish political groups are difficult to transform. But change has occurred. The current prime minister reformed among socialists, and left-leaning movements managed to break bipartisanship and briefly seemed poised to shape coming years. Positive transformation might be difficult now, but doing nothing seems dismal.