Healthy or Toxic Relationship? VOX, Latinos’ Support and the Creation of the Iberosphere

This article delves into the nuanced relationship between populist radical right-wing (PRR) parties and minority, historically under-represented groups–a dimension often overshadowed by the stereotypical portrayal of these parties as appealing primarily to male, chauvinistic, and anti-immigrant electorates. We focus on Spain, where VOX has emerged as the national epitome of radical right-wing populism, garnering attention for its engagement with women, LGBTI+ communities, and migrants. However, the transnational dynamics, particularly VOX’s connection with Latin America and its Latino support base in Spain, remain largely unexplored. Our analysis extends beyond VOX, encompassing the People’s Party (PP), its main competitor, to illuminate a phenomenon of ideological and strategic ‘contagion’ where mainstream right-wing parties increasingly adopt elements of PRR rhetoric and policy. This cross-pollination signifies a broader shift in the Spanish political landscape, warranting a comprehensive, multi-level assessment. Employing variegated sources such as party manifestos, public discourses, and in-depth interviews with key actors, our study scrutinises VOX’s political campaigns and the broader meta-geographic construct of the ‘Iberosphere’. By doing so, it not only contributes to the literature on transnational populism but also seeks to unravel the circumstances under which minority and historically under-represented groups might lend their electoral support to radical populist right-wing entities. In particular, the study highlights how the PP's strategic responses and narrative adaptations to VOX’s rise illuminate the complexities of political realignments within Spain’s right-wing spectrum.