The emergence and consolidation of Vox must be understood as a political reaction to the ideological evolution of the People’s Party over the last decade. The progressive movement of the PP towards central positions, with the support of theses traditionally associated with social democracy, has left orphans … to a segment of the electorate which does not feel represented by this turning point. Sensitive issues such as the growing weight of the State in social services, an ambiguous position on abortion, the recognition of rights for same-sex couples or the veiled acceptance of immigration perceived as uncontrolled have played the role of catalysts for this disenchantment.
In this context, Vox thrives on citizens who demand conservative discourse without nuance, with strong nationalist content and with a constant call for direct action against the problems that dominate the public agenda of the 21st century. More than a simple transfer of votes, what we are observing is a radicalization of a part of the electorate who deliberately flee the political center to take refuge in a traditional right, presented as firm, coherent and without complexes.
This phenomenon is not limited to older voters or previous political careers. Vox has succeeded in reaching young people who are joining the electorate with a critical vision of the democratic system, which they consider imperfect, ineffective and even adulterated in recent years. The perception of a lack of meritocracy, distrust of institutions and the feeling of economic and cultural insecurity fuel a predisposition favorable to simple and impactful messages. Within this large pool of votes and public opinion, Santiago Abascal has consolidated a personalist leadership that does not admit competitors. The abandonments, both voluntary and forced, of several of its fellow founders reflect an internal structure that is not very tolerant of dissent and very focused on the figure of the leader.
Added to this is the obvious absence of a detailed and coherent electoral program. In their place, many slogans are presented as clear and definitive solutions to complex phenomena such as the illegal occupation of housing, immigration or insecurity. This combination of strong leadership and simplified messaging explains, to a large extent, the appeal and limitations of the Vox phenomenon.
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