The current campaign ahead of Sunday’s vote has been intense, sometimes tedious, and at times unstable. It mirrors a familiar European pattern of steering toward a democratic process while balancing old tensions and long-standing loyalties. While there are solid reasons to feel pride about what has been achieved, the outcome remains uncertain. Awareness of the risks involved suggests caution to avoid the kind of missteps that could reignite old conflicts.
For many citizens who helped shape Spain’s democratic regime and contributed to the consensus that produced the Constitution, the most troubling recent development is the return of authoritarian ideas that once fed a brutal dictatorship. Years after a bloody civil war that crushed the republic, the country’s current system remains the core of its democratic experience. The ascent of Vox is, without doubt, the most unsettling political shift since 1978, anchored in assertions that legitimize authoritarian rule.
What makes this moment serious is not merely the revival of a nostalgic fringe in Spain, but the broader trend across Europe. In France, the far right identified as the National Front historically emerged in the early 1970s and has evolved into a political force that now challenges mainstream parties. The rise of Marine Le Pen and the front’s endurance show how far-right ideas can gain traction, and forecasts suggest that similar movements could gain influence in neighboring nations sooner or later.
In Italy, since October 2022, the government led by a far-right coalition has taken a measured stance on many issues, even as critics argue that rhetoric at public events has pushed a harder line. Remarks at a public gathering in Marbella drew sharp criticisms about gender policy, social norms, and regional security. The debate touched on women’s rights, immigration, and the economy, highlighting how leadership can be tested by the balance between inclusive policy and nationalist sentiment. Critics warn that such positions may strain international alliances and complicate economic planning for communities across Europe.
The Visegrád Group countries, after joining the European Union relatively recently, face the risk of drifting away from core European principles. Analysts warn that influential voters reacting to economic strain could empower more extreme voices. In Germany, for instance, there are ongoing discussions about the rise of far-right factions in some polls and media outlets, alongside the traditional center-left and center-right parties. The dynamics illustrate how political landscapes can evolve quickly when economic and social pressures bite at the margins of society.
Discussing the roots of this drift would require a long examination. It is evident that the major powers that shaped postwar Europe have struggled to respond decisively to the 2008 financial crisis. The crisis left mark on economies and social structures, feeding discontent among those who felt left behind. The challenge for modern democracies is to address grievances without surrendering core principles. The belief that voting for radical forces will remedy the faults of a political class does not align with the philosophy that democracy, while imperfect, remains the most effective system available. The aim should be to strengthen institutions, expand opportunity, and ensure that people feel heard and protected within the rule of law.