Almost 40% of Spanish men aged 18 to 34 now plan to vote for Vox, the far-right party, according to recent polls. Among young women, support has risen to 20%, with the largest increase among the youngest voters. This marks a significant shift in a country that long seemed resistant to far-right populism due to its 20th-century history.
Vox, which won its first parliamentary seat in 2019, advocates for policies including mass expulsion of immigrants to preserve 'Spanish identity', restrictions on abortion and trans rights, dismantling EU institutions, and rejecting climate action. Older generations continue to back the centre-left Socialist party (PSOE) and centre-right Popular party (PP), while women aged 60 and over form the largest group opposing the far right. Catalonia is an exception, where nationalist far-right support spans older generations.
Key factors driving young voters to Vox include crises mishandled by major parties, such as deadly floods in Valencia last year and wildfires in León, Zamora, Orense, and Extremadura. Spain's quasi-federal system allows blame to be assigned to both the centre-left coalition in Madrid and conservative regional governments. Corruption scandals have also tainted both main parties.
Housing is the top concern for under-35s, followed by wages, employment, and cost of living. Migration barely registers as an issue for younger voters, though 'government and political parties' was a major concern for Vox voters in the 2023 general election. Political scientist Marta Romero notes that Vox projects an 'anti-establishment' image that appeals to young people.
Spain's economy is among the best-performing in Europe, but it fails to deliver for many young adults entering labour markets in cities like Barcelona, Málaga, and Madrid. Low wages and high housing costs have made pensioners wealthier than young adults with children, increasing intergenerational tension. Experts suggest that mimicking far-right policies on migration or women's rights has failed across Europe and would not solve Spain's issues.
To counter this trend, mainstream politicians, particularly on the left, must address affordable housing and reduce political bickering. The constant insults between PSOE and PP erode public trust, pushing young voters toward anti-establishment alternatives.
