In December 2017, the Popular Party proposed “to promote methods to determine the veracity of information,” which was not well-received by the Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party (PSOE) as they felt it would lead to censorship and a restriction of liberties. Fast forward to November 2020, the Procedure of Action against Disinformation, approved by the National Security Council and published in the Official State Gazette by order of the Ministry of the Presidency (run by the PSOE), allowed the government to monitor social media for fake news in order to provide a “political response.” The People’s Party (PP) criticized this move, calling it an attack on press freedom and the creation of a “Ministry of Truth.” By April 2024, the President of the Government and Secretary General of the PSOE, Pedro Sánchez, expressed concerns about the damage caused by “fake news” and announced a plan for democratic regeneration that was not specified. The PP leader, Alberto Núñez Feijóo, accused the government of trying to censor information.
The issue of fake news has been a concern for various political parties, including Vox, who presented a proposition in 2020 for the regulation of fake news verification. This topic is seen as crucial for democratic regeneration, as studies both in Spain and abroad show its impact on political polarization, public tension, and distrust in institutions. However, like other regeneration measures, such as transparency and depoliticization of the judiciary, these proposals often remain on the surface without concrete action due to political interests and the reluctance to show weakness before elections. Sánchez has postponed his regeneration plan until after the Catalan and European elections in June. Meanwhile, experts suggest ideas to improve the political ecosystem, including enhancing media literacy, expanding transparency in media funding, and developing stricter regulations for false information dissemination.
Experts highlight the importance of media literacy in combating misinformation, advocating for education on content differentiation, source verification, and awareness of digital biases. They suggest the need for technology to detect disinformation but emphasize that education remains the most effective tool. Legal expert Joaquim Bosch points out the inadequacies of current laws in addressing harmful lies that spread quickly online, proposing for stricter legislation to hold creators of disinformation accountable. The focus on education to empower citizens with critical thinking skills is seen as fundamental in combating fake news effectively.
In the realm of justice, there is a debate on the renewal of the General Council of the Judiciary and the role of popular prosecution. Suggestions include reforms to ensure independence and professionalism in judicial appointments, as well as limiting the potential misuse of the legal system by political parties. Similarly, concerns about institutional colonization and conflicts of interest underscore the need for clear regulations and accountability mechanisms to prevent partisan influence in key institutions. The call for a cultural shift towards institutional integrity and transparency is echoed as essential for a robust democratic system.
The demand for greater transparency and integrity within institutions like the Ombudsman’s office, the General Council of the Judiciary, and conflict of interest regulations highlights the imperative for comprehensive legal reforms and institutional reforms. The need for a stronger agency for conflict of interests, the establishment of a national lobby law, and the public disclosure of public officials’ agendas are proposed as steps towards a more accountable and transparent governance system. These reforms aim to address the challenges posed by partisan interests and conflicts of interest within institutional frameworks, promoting a more ethical and democratic governance culture.
In conclusion, the fight against fake news, institutional colonization, and conflicts of interest requires a multi-faceted approach involving legal reforms, educational initiatives, and transparency measures. By addressing these challenges head-on, Spain can strengthen its democratic institutions, promote public trust, and ensure a more accountable and ethical governance system. The collective efforts of experts and policymakers are crucial in shaping a resilient and transparent political ecosystem for the future.
