The article discusses the alarming rise of disinformation in Spain, particularly targeting Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez. It notes absurd fabricated stories about Begoña Gómez, Sánchez’s wife, including links to drug trafficking and blackmail. Such disinformation is bolstered by real scandals, like corruption cases within Sánchez’s party, the PSOE, which erode public trust.
Alba Tobella, director of the Catalan fact-checking platform Verificat, expresses concern about the normalization of these alternative realities, where audiences become disconnected from truth and uninterested in facts. Disinformation spreads mainly through social media, often fueled by right-wing figures.
Sebastiaan Faber draws parallels with similar tactics used during the Franco regime and in the U.S. under Trump, where misinformation aims to undermine trust in institutions. Despite actual corruption, the receptiveness to disinformation often aligns with political preferences, which may alienate voters further. The article emphasizes the importance of debunking lies and promoting truth to combat the damaging effects of propaganda on democracy.
