Lorraine Williamson
More Spanish teenagers and young adults are being exposed to misleading portrayals of dictator Francisco Franco. This is according to research by the fact-checking organisation Newtral. TikTok is emerging as one of the main channels for spreading these revisionist views.
Videos that appear humorous or nostalgic often mask far-right propaganda. In many cases, they suggest Franco’s dictatorship was either benign or beneficial. Young people, especially those with limited knowledge of 20th-century Spanish history, are particularly vulnerable to this type of messaging. Some are sharing the content simply to fit in or provoke a reaction, unaware of the political context.
Authoritarian attitudes on the rise
Survey data reinforces these concerns. A 2024 study by 40dB found that 17.4% of Spaniards aged 25 to 34 believe an authoritarian regime might be acceptable in some situations. In 2009, that figure stood at just 8.2%. Among men aged 18 to 26, support rose to 25.9%. Generation Z appears to be losing faith in democratic systems, turning instead to simplified narratives that promise stability and control.
Frustration with politics, economic insecurity, and a lack of representation have made authoritarian messages more appealing. Social media’s fast-paced, emotional content amplifies this trend.
Propaganda blends in with pop culture
One disturbing tactic involves altering videos of well-known Spanish artists like Aitana or Quevedo. Edited clips show them appearing to sing Cara al sol, the anthem of the fascist Falange party. The original audio is replaced, but the visuals remain. The mix of humour, nostalgia, and slick production values makes the content look harmless—or even appealing.
Historian Damián González told Newtral that this style of communication has a powerful effect on younger audiences. “They’re drawn to emotionally charged content, especially when it taps into feelings of anger or disconnection.”
Teachers witnessing a cultural shift
In classrooms across Spain, educators are hearing far-right views more frequently. Boys between 15 and 18 are expressing admiration for Franco, pushing anti-feminist ideas, or backing parties like Vox. Teachers say some of these statements are made to provoke, but many seem genuine.
A recent El País report confirmed that racist, sexist, and anti-LGBTQ+ remarks are also on the rise. The normalisation of these views coincides with Vox’s growing influence and its use of social media to downplay Franco-era violence while offering simple solutions to complex issues.
Lack of historical education a key factor
Historians argue that Spain’s school curriculum leaves many gaps. Students often reach university with little understanding of Franco’s dictatorship or the Spanish Civil War. Beatriz García, a university lecturer, noted that most secondary school courses barely touch on this period.
“The lack of education creates space for myth and misinformation to thrive,” she said. “When students finally learn the full history, they’re often shocked.”
A shift in universities offers hope
At the university level, students are beginning to challenge historical revisionism. Lecturers report that many young adults are eager to understand Spain’s past more thoroughly. Debates and classroom discussions are encouraging critical thinking, with students asking why they were not taught this material earlier.
Although the trend on social media is worrying, education still has the potential to reverse some of the damage.
Source: Newtral