In Spain, the ideological dispute is escalating as the socialist government under Pedro Sánchez invests over €140 million of taxpayers’ money in an ideological equality plan to counter the rise of patriotic forces. Instead of addressing pressing economic and social challenges, Madrid is focusing on social re-education – with questionable priorities.
The Spanish government recently released €142.5 million for the so-called “Co-Responsible Plan” 2025, which, according to the news portal El Debate, will be financed 75 percent by the state and 25 percent by the autonomous communities. The goal is to enforce gender parity, redefine traditional family structures, and promote so-called “co-responsible masculinities” – a term that raises concerns among critics. Minister for Equality Ana Redondo speaks of a “social transformation” necessary to combat “hate, denial, and anti-equality messages” on social media.
The announcement coincides with a noticeable shift to the right in Europe, for example in Portugal, where the patriotic Chega party is challenging the established parties; in Germany and Austria, with strong results for the AfD and the FPÖ; and in Poland, where conservative and patriotic candidates received a majority of votes in the presidential election. But instead of analyzing the reasons for the growing dissatisfaction with established politics, Spain’s socialist government is opting for confrontation. Critics accuse it of defaming dissenting opinions as extremism and misusing taxpayer money for ideological projects, while pushing urgent problems such as unemployment and rising living costs into the background.
Danger from social media? Minister for Equality Redondo blames young men in particular and their radicalization through online platforms for the rise of patriotic parties. She speaks of a “misogynistic, sexist mindset” promoted by pornography and social media, which threatens both equality and democracy. “All measures taken by the ministry are aimed at countering this new reality,” she emphasized after the Council of Ministers meeting.
This argument, however, is met with skepticism. Many observers see Redondo’s statements as an attempt to dismiss the growing rejection of the socialist agenda as a product of disinformation, rather than addressing the underlying causes. High youth unemployment, economic insecurity, and the perception that the government is prioritizing elite interests over those of the people are driving many young Spaniards into the arms of conservative or patriotic movements. Instead of addressing these grievances, the government appears to be focusing on moralizing re-education.
A country on the brink of collapse. The generous funding of the equality plan raises questions about the government’s priorities. As the cost of living continues to rise and many citizens struggle with stagnant wages, investing millions of euros in ideological projects seems like a luxury the country can ill afford. There are also fears that the measures will further deepen divisions in society by branding conservative voters and young men as a threat.
However, the government appears determined to continue its globalist course. By claiming to have to defend democracy and equality against “right-wing narratives,” it is pursuing a strategy that critics view as a distraction from the country’s real problems. Whether this approach will halt the advance of patriotic forces or cause the government to further lose support remains to be seen. One thing is certain: Spain is at a crossroads, and the government’s response appears to lie less in solving real problems than in pushing an ideological agenda.
