The agenda of the international far right hijacks Spanish politics

The Spanish political landscape has been increasingly shaped by the ideological framework of international far-right movements, with the concept of "priority national" becoming a central theme in regional governance agreements. This shift was underscored by statements from regional leaders such as Alberto Núñez Feijóo, who expressed confidence in the terms of government agreements in Castilla y León, Extremadura, Aragón, and Andalucía, as well as the budget deal in the Valencian Community. These agreements institutionalize the notion of "priority national," a term that has become a defining element of political discourse in Spain, largely due to its promotion by the far-right party Vox under Santiago Abascal. The idea of prioritizing national identity over foreign influence is not new to the far-right movement globally. It has long been part of the political strategy of groups such as France’s National Front, led by Jean-Marie Le Pen, and later his daughter Marine Le Pen. In 1985, the National Front proposed separating social services between French citizens and foreigners, a move that laid the groundwork for the concept of "preference national." This term was popularized by Jean-Yves Le Gallou in a book that year, and it became a cornerstone of Le Pen's political platform. His book Les Français d'abord (French First) emphasized the importance of native-born citizens over immigrants, framing this as a response to an existential threat to French identity. Le Pen’s approach evolved over time, particularly after the rise of his daughter, Marine, who sought to modernize the party’s rhetoric while maintaining its core principles. Although Jean-Marie Le Pen himself passed away, the concept of "national preference" endured, being rebranded as "priority national" within the National Front, which later renamed itself the National Rally. The idea continues to be a key pillar of the party’s program, especially in preparation for upcoming elections. In recent discussions, the party’s leader has framed the concept not just as an identity issue but as an economic necessity, arguing that it allows for the reallocation of resources to benefit native populations at the expense of migrant communities. This ideology has found resonance beyond France, influencing political strategies in countries such as Hungary, Poland, and Italy, where similar policies have been implemented. In Spain, the far-right has adopted these ideas, integrating them into their political narrative through alliances with mainstream conservative parties like the People’s Party. The result is a political environment where the language and tactics of the far right dominate public discourse, often leaving little room for alternative perspectives. The historian and expert on far-right politics, Steven Forti, notes that the dominance of far-right narratives in Spain can be attributed to both the strategic alignment of mainstream conservatives with far-right factions and the lack of a robust counter-narrative from the left. According to Forti, the inability of leftist parties to present a compelling alternative has allowed the far-right to gain traction, reinforcing its influence in shaping policy and public opinion. Vox, in particular, has embraced the concept of "priority national" as a key tool in its political strategy. While the party has not yet fully endorsed the more extreme notion of "remigration", the mass deportation of non-native populations, its advocacy of stricter immigration controls aligns with broader trends observed in other far-right movements. The idea of remigration, originally proposed by Le Gallou, represents a logical extension of the far-right’s vision of preserving national identity, even if it remains a controversial and divisive topic. As the political landscape continues to evolve, the influence of far-right ideologies appears to be growing, reshaping the priorities and debates that define Spanish politics. With regional governments adopting policies aligned with these principles, the impact of far-right thinking is likely to deepen, further entrenching its role in shaping the nation’s future.