Spanish PM Warns Against Far-Right Influence as Democracy's Anniversary Nears

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez recently spoke out against tech billionaire Elon Musk and his allies, cautioning about their divisive tactics and support for far-right ideologies. Speaking at an event marking Spain's return to democracy after General Franco's rule, Sánchez warned that hard-won freedoms can be easily overlooked and compromised. He highlighted the rising trend of authoritarian values and autocratic regimes globally, with Musk being one of the prominent figures leading this movement. Sánchez emphasized that democracy is not permanent and can be quickly extinguished. He called for a more prosperous, united, and tolerant society to strengthen Spanish democracy. Other European leaders, such as Emmanuel Macron and Keir Starmer, have also criticized Musk's interference in European politics. The occasion also marks the 50th anniversary of Spain's transition to democracy, a significant milestone for the country. However, not all political parties support the event. The conservative People's Party and far-right Vox boycotted the launch, accusing Sánchez of using the past to divert attention from his government's corruption scandals. The event took place amidst criticism and political tensions.