Industry voices unite against censorship and cancellation
The cultural sector in Spain has seen a surge of solidarity in response to actions labeled as censorship and cancellation. Recently organized by political groups and cultural organizations, a campaign emerged focused on defending artistic freedom and safeguarding fundamental rights. The statement called for the return of free expression and emphasized that culture is a socially and democratically reinforced right within the Spanish constitution. It urged that no democracy can endure without culture, and it circulated in multiple languages including Galician, Basque, Catalan, and Spanish across major cultural hubs and among artists such as Alba Flores and Juan Diego Botto, among others. The topic quickly gained momentum across social networks and public spaces alike.
In a coordinated move, Natalia Garriga, the Minister of Culture, issued a press statement supporting the initiative. The minister expressed agreement with the call to condemn censorship within parts of the cultural sector, noting that new governance in parts of Spain has influenced cultural productions. The Catalan government underscored its commitment to defending freedom of expression and cultural and linguistic diversity, with Miquel Iceta joining the protest that highlighted censorship linked to political shifts in certain regions following recent local elections.
Leaders and public discourse on social networks
Yolanda Díaz, the second vice president, publicly reaffirmed support for protecting the cultural rights of industry workers. She stated that freedom must remain uncensored and highlighted that July 23 would be a day to advocate for cultural rights, heritage, and the people who keep the industry alive. The message, amplified with the hashtag Stop Censorship, quickly trended online, reflecting broad concern about the impact of political decisions on artistic practice.
Supporters of the movement described a pattern where initial actions in favor of cultural freedom are followed by political criticism. They warned that critics could pursue those who defend artistic freedoms. The overall stance was clear: there is no true democracy without culture. Commentary from Madrid city officials reflected worry about recent limitations imposed on local cultural productions, with discussions touching on works associated with historic figures and contemporary media projects alike.