Shifting Euroscepticism: The Evolution of Populist Discourse in Spain from Podemos to Vox

This paper explores the evolution of Euroscepticism in Spain, focusing on the interplay between populist discourse and European Union positions amid shifting political dynamics. The research addresses the question: How does Euroscepticism evolve in Spain with the decline of left populism and the rise of the radical right, particularly Vox? The study highlights the contrasting strategies of two key political actors, Podemos and Vox, as they adjust their EU stances in response to shifting alliances and internal political landscapes. Specifically, Podemos is expected to adopt a harder Eurosceptic position, especially noticeable in the run-up to the 2024 European elections, as a means of distinguishing itself from the newly formed Sumar alliance, which advocates a pro-EU stance. Conversely, Vox has increasingly solidified its Eurosceptic rhetoric, aligning itself more closely with the European far-right, particularly the National Rally of Marine Le Pen, while distancing itself from Giorgia Meloni's political group in the European Parliament. Using computer-assisted discourse analysis, this paper examines party manifestos and speeches to track changes in the Eurosceptic positions of these parties and the (potential) evolution of their electoral campaign discourse in 2019 and 2024 . By identifying key discursive shifts, the paper sheds light on how both left-wing and right-wing populist parties in Spain have used EU discourse as a tool for political differentiation. The findings contribute to the broader understanding of how Euroscepticism in Spain is shaped by populist rhetoric and changing party dynamics, particularly in the context of European political realignments.