Spain
Spain is high-performing in the Representation, Rights and Rule of Law categories of the Global State of Democracy (GSoD) framework, and mid-performing in Participation. Compared to 2018, Spain has declined in Social Group Equality and Absence of Corruption. It is home to one of the largest and fastest growing economies in Europe, driven by its services and manufacturing industries. Though public debt remains high, it is declining.
Spain transitioned from military dictatorship under Francisco Franco to a democracy in 1978 through a process of negotiation known as the Transición, which established free and competitive elections, created space for a multi-party system, and increased civilian control of the military. While the Transición awarded notable autonomy to regional governments, separatist group activities have continued. The role of historical memory continues to be a divisive issue in political debates. A 1977 amnesty law, part of the democratic transition and the associated Pact of Forgetting, has served to limit prosecutions for Franco-era human rights abuses. However, recent legislation has sought to tackle the Franco legacy, including a 2022 Democratic Memory law, which banned organisations that glorify the Franco regime.
In the last five years, a secessionist challenge from the region of Catalonia and a more fragmented parliament have put additional pressure on the political system. National unity remains elusive, exemplified by the organization of a non-authorized referendum for the independence of Catalonia in 2017. The underlying tensions were reignited by a recent law granting amnesty to the pro-independence activists and former public officials involved in the secession attempt. Moreover, widespread corruption scandals have undermined society’s trust in political institutions. The rise of new political parties, which represent a more diverse spectrum of ideologies in the country, has also challenged the bipartisan party system that emerged during the transition and fuelled affective polarization. Although democratic institutions are strong in Spain, the country has not been spared from the rise of extremist ideologies. Immigration has become a key point of contention, and has come to the fore in connection with recent mass border crossings in Spanish exclaves, Ceuta and Melilla. Economic equality is another important concern; only 16.3 per cent of Spanish youth are living independently from their families because of unaffordable housing.
Spain is high-performing in Gender Equality, passing landmark “only yes is yes” consent laws, legislation promoting gender parity in political and business institutions, a broad range of reproductive rights legislation, and a law expanding transgender rights. However, gender-based violence has increased over the last decade, and domestic violence remains an issue in Spanish society.
Looking ahead, it will be important to watch Rule of Law in view of an increasingly fragmented political landscape and rising polarization. The fraught and drawn-out process to reach agreement to reform the judiciary’s governing body is one example of the impact on the quality of democracy. Additionally, it will be important to watch the 2024 Amnesty Law for impacts on Rule of Law. Notably, the Venice Commission urged greater precision in the application of the law and cautioned against inadvertently terminating cases unrelated to the 2017 secession attempt. Finally, it will be important to watch Social Group Equality in view of recent constitutional amendments enshrining a commitment to protect disability rights and changes in congressional regulations to ensure the use of Catalan, Galician and Basque languages in Parliament.
Last updated: July 2024
https://www.idea.int/democracytracker/
May 2025
Government submits bill to reform judicial career and prosecutorial role
On 13 May, the Council of Ministers approved a draft law to change how judges and prosecutors are selected, sending it to parliament for debate. The government says the proposals aim to modernize the judicial system and would mark the first major reform in 40 years. Currently, candidates must pass a highly competitive national exam known as the oposición, which requires years of unpaid preparation. The reform would introduce alternative paths, such as considering prior professional experience and providing financial support like scholarships to reduce economic barriers to preparation. The proposal would also shift responsibility for criminal investigations from judges to prosecutors. Supporters argue the changes would make these careers more accessible and diverse by lowering financial burdens for aspiring candidates. Critics, however, warn that transferring investigative powers to prosecutors could threaten judicial independence, since prosecutors ultimately report to the executive.
Sources: Spanish Council of Ministers, Cinco Días, El País, Europa Press
April 2025
Nationwide demonstrations take place over rental housing crisis
On 5 April, tens of thousands of people marched across 39 cities to protest the soaring cost of housing and the growing difficulty of affording rent or buying a home. Organizers estimated 150,000 participants in Madrid and over 100,000 in Barcelona alone, while local authorities cited lower numbers. The protests were organized by tenants’ unions, neighborhood associations, and other civil society groups to denounce the lack of affordable housing, the sharp rise in property and rental prices, and speculation in the real estate market, especially in urban areas. Protesters called for measures such as rent caps, stronger protections for tenants, and stricter regulations on short-term tourist rentals. Earlier this year, the government unveiled a national housing policy plan ("Plan Estatal de Vivienda") that includes expanding the public housing stock and offering rental subsidies, with a focus on improving access for the most vulnerable populations.
Sources: El País, Associated Press, Telecinco, RTVE, El Confidencial
November 2024
Council of Ministers approves new immigration regulations
On 19 November, the Council of Ministers approved new immigration regulations to simplify residency and work permit processes for foreign nationals. A key change reduces the required continuous stay from three years to two for obtaining a residence permit based on "arraigo" (rootedness, reflecting ties to Spain). The decree will also make it easier for undocumented migrants to regularize their status, including those denied international protection. Migrants will receive an initial one-year work permit, renewable for four-year periods, while job-seeking visas will be extended from three months to one year. Family reunification rules are relaxed, raising the eligible age for children from 21 to 26, and allowing non-registered couples to apply. The updated regulations take effect on 20 May 2025, and the government expects the changes will regularize the status of 300,000 people per year over the next three years.
Sources: Boletin Oficial del Estado, Ministerio de Inclusion, Seguridad Social y Migraciones, El Pais
October 2024
Spain devastated by deadly floods
As of 31 October, severe flooding in southern and eastern Spain had resulted in the deaths of 158 people. Experts pointed to poor urban planning and outdated infrastructure, which allowed settlement in high-risk areas, as major contributing factors. According to climate experts, climate change exacerbated the storms, leading to flash flooding after prolonged droughts that left the ground unable to absorb the water. The Defense Ministry deployed the military to facilitate rescue operations, and in Valencia, Spain’s third most populous city, the local government reported a large number of citizens’ solidarity initiatives. Regional authorities were criticised for delayed and inadequate warnings, as well as a lack of clear instructions for those at risk, leading to discussions about augmenting risk preparedness and emergency coordination.
Sources: El Pais, France24, BBC, Politico, Generalitat Valenciana
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