Spain’s political landscape is undergoing a significant shift to the right, as clearly demonstrated by recent election analyses and polls from 2025. A major factor in this development is the corruption scandal within the social-democratic PSOE, which has severely shaken the party’s credibility. This loss of trust has led to a noticeable strengthening of the conservative Popular Party (PP). Even more remarkable, however, is the growing influence of the far-right party Vox, which has established itself as a serious political force in Spain – especially among young voters.
Young Voters as a Driving Force Behind the Rightward Shift
Particularly alarming for the left political spectrum is the clear tendency of young voters towards the far right. According to recent data from the renowned polling institute 40dB., Vox is the strongest party among 18- to 24-year-olds, with an impressive approval rating of 27.9%. Closely followed by 25- to 34-year-olds, among whom Vox garners 26% of the votes. This phenomenon – the growing support for right-wing and far-right parties among young adults – is not limited to Spain. Rather, it is a Europe-wide trend that reflects a larger societal change.
The causes of this development are manifold. Growing frustration over economic insecurity, high unemployment rates, and anxieties about the future characterize the lives of many young people. Added to this is the widespread feeling that established parties are not adequately addressing or taking seriously the real problems of youth. Simultaneously, issues such as migration are playing an increasingly important role. Right-wing parties exploit these debates to stir up fears of social decline and perceived foreign infiltration of society, which resonates with a segment of the young population.
Migration as a Catalyst for Political Change
In Spain, particularly in urban areas and economically weaker regions, the debate around migration and its social impact has intensified. Right-wing parties like Vox deliberately instrumentalize these discussions for their political agenda. They present themselves as uncompromising advocates for order, security, and national identity. Migration is often simplistically portrayed as the primary cause of social problems, a narrative that finds open ears in certain segments of the population, especially among young Spaniards.
This development in Spain mirrors a broader European trend. In countries such as France, Germany, Italy, and Austria, right-wing populist and far-right parties are also experiencing significant gains. The political consequences of this Europe-wide shift to the right are increasing societal polarization, growing social tensions, and an erosion of traditional party systems.
Political Consequences and Outlook
The current poll results in Spain illustrate a solidification of the political dichotomy. A strong right-wing alliance of PP and Vox together garners over 48% of the votes. In contrast, the left spectrum, consisting of PSOE, Sumar, and Podemos, only achieves just over 37%. The coming years will show how Spain deals with the profound social and political challenges. The handling of migration, the strengthening of the economy, and the management of social change will decisively shape the country’s future development and are crucial for political stability.
