Far-right party will shape mainstream Spanish politics

Significance

Vox has gathered support by staunchly opposing Catalan independence, promoting a nationalist agenda and championing conservative values. The strength of its electoral appeal is already having a significant impact on the centre-right People’s Party (PP).

Impacts

• The PP’s leadership at the national level will be more cautious of being perceived as too close to Vox.
• Deepening inequality after COVID-19 could undermine Spain’s Socialist government and push more younger people to support Vox.
• Concerns about Vox and rising support for Spanish nationalists in general may force the government to take a tougher stance on immigration.