In a bid to make their stance clear, Spain’s far-right party Vox recently unveiled their election manifesto, sparking intense debate across the nation. The 169-page document, released at the onset of the campaign for Spain’s upcoming snap election on July 23, contains a bold proposition: the complete abolition of existing laws permitting abortion and euthanasia. With this declaration, Vox aims to champion what they call the “right to life from conception to natural death.”
The manifesto particularly highlights the controversial sexual and reproductive health law passed by Spain’s parliament in December. This law allows girls aged 16 and 17 to undergo abortions without the need for parental consent. Vox firmly opposes this provision and pledges to repeal it if they come into power. Additionally, the party vows to revoke the so-called Trans Law, which permits individuals aged 14 and above to change their legal gender without psychological or medical evaluations. However, the law specifies that teenagers between 14 and 16 still require parental or guardian approval for such changes.
One area where Vox seeks to increase parental control is in sex education within schools. The party proposes empowering parents to veto any educational content they deem inappropriate for their children. This contentious measure further contributes to the ongoing societal discourse regarding the role of sex education in schools and parental rights.
In addition to their social and cultural agenda, Vox’s manifesto also includes economic reforms. The party promises to simplify income tax, proposing a lower rate of 15% for individuals earning 70,000 euros ($76,769.00) annually, while those earning more would face a 25% tax rate. These proposed changes, if implemented, could potentially impact the country’s tax system.
Furthermore, Vox’s election manifesto highlights their staunch stance on immigration. The party proposes a naval blockade to prevent the entry of illegal migrants crossing the sea from Africa to reach Spanish shores. This proposal aligns with their broader approach to immigration and reflects the hard-right party’s position on border control.
As Spain’s snap election approaches, Vox’s election manifesto has ignited passionate discussions on various fronts, raising concerns and prompting scrutiny from different sections of society. With 52 lawmakers, Vox remains a potential coalition ally for the conservative People’s Party (PP), which currently leads the polls ahead of the ruling Socialist Party. The outcome of the upcoming election will shape the future of Spain, both in terms of social policies and the country’s overall political landscape.