Lorraine Williamson
Public trust in Spain’s politicians is crumbling. A recent survey by Instituto DYM for 20minutos reveals that 79.8 % of Spaniards believe politicians misuse public funds for personal gain. The level of confidence is now at a record low.
This erosion of faith goes beyond fiscal concerns. A staggering 83.6 % of respondents say politicians are inherently untrustworthy, while 78 % believe they act purely in self-interest. Only 16.2 % think most politicians work for the public good. These numbers point to a deeply rooted cynicism.
From scandal to systemic skepticism
To understand how this mood took hold, look back at the litany of political scandals in recent years. The Gürtel case, which tangled key figures in the People’s Party (PP), once caused massive public uproar. But newer episodes—such as alleged fraud in face-mask deals involving a former PSOE adviser and investigations into a former finance minister’s ties with private firms—have added fresh fuel to the fire.
Historically, even after Gürtel’s shockwaves, distrust levels were lower. In 2009, 43.4 % of the population believed most politicians acted corruptly. Today’s figure—nearly 80 %—marks a seismic shift in public outlook.
The timing of the latest poll is telling: conducted just after a high-stakes debate between Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and Alberto Núñez Feijóo, in a week when investigations surfaced around prominent PSOE figures, the survey reflects an atmosphere of political crisis and suspicion.
Who distrusts politicians — and why
Distrust isn’t evenly distributed—though it is widespread. Age, education, and ideology all influence how sceptical one becomes.
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Younger voters (18–35) show 71.1 % believing in politicians’ self-serving nature; among the 66–75 bracket, it’s 75.9 %. The most critical cohorts? Those aged 36–45 (84.7 %) and 46–65 (80.5 %).
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Educational background matters. Among those with primary schooling, 78.5 % distrust politicians. Among university graduates, the figure increases to 85.1 %.
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Political leanings also shape views. Nearly 90 % of centrist and right-wing voters believe in the misuse of public funds. On the left, 61.3 % share that belief—a large minority, but noticeably less emphatic.
These patterns suggest distrust is less about a single event and more about cumulative disillusionment, which intensifies among the more politically aware and educated.
Democracy under pressure
When citizens believe their leaders cannot be trusted, democracy itself is endangered. Widespread distrust saps the legitimacy of institutions, fuels political apathy, and makes voters ripe for populist appeals. In Spain, with its entrenched divide between PSOE and PP, mutual accusations of corruption reinforce a narrative: that all politicians are tainted.
Already, the far-right party Vox is capitalising on this narrative, gaining momentum as mainstream parties struggle to restore credibility. If skepticism deepens, turnout could fall. The more cynical citizens grow, the more they disengage, and the more radical voices gain room.
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Restoring faith — a daunting challenge
Trust isn’t rebuilt overnight. For established parties and media alike, transparency must be a guiding principle, not an afterthought. Concrete steps—stronger oversight, open procurement systems, clearer conflict-of-interest protocols, citizen audits—are essential.
Yet even those efforts may not reach a jaded populace. The deeper battle is cultural: persuading people that political power can be wielded without self-interest. Until then, the shadow over Spain’s democracy will remain long and troubling.
To reverse this trend, parties must prioritise integrity over short-term gains—and explain it plainly. Media must hold power to account, not just document scandals. And citizens, fatigued by repeated betrayals, will need proof more than promises. Only then can Spain hope to counter the widespread distrust in politicians that now grips it.