El País calls Madrid voters fools for backing the PP
El País publishes an opinion piece calling PP voters in Madrid 'fools'. Analysis of the controversy and the reactions on social media.
English · Original discussion in Spanish · Published
El País vs Madrid voters: journalism or contempt?
On 18 May, the Spanish daily El País published an opinion piece by Argentine writer Martín Caparrós describing Madrid residents who vote for the PP (Spain's conservative People's Party) as 'fools'. The piece, titled 'El ínclito Madrid', sparked an immediate backlash on social media and digital outlets, where critics questioned not only the substance of the analysis but also the legitimacy of a foreign author lecturing Spain on its own politics.
The critique: clichés and empty rhetoric
The column opens with a song from the sixties to argue that Madrid has always been a destination for those fleeing war, but it goes off the rails when it equates the conservative vote with a kind of collective foolishness. Readers were quick to point out that invoking Franco, forty years after his death, betrays a lack of arguments. "The ad Francum fallacy never fails", one comment quipped.
The defence of Madrid: healthcare efficiency as a counterexample
Against the claim that Madrileños vote against their own interests, a data-based defence emerged: Madrid's public healthcare is the most efficient in Spain, with shorter waiting lists and the best hospitals. "The PP has not degraded Madrid's healthcare", the argument goes, noting that it holds up in a national context of widespread decline.
The deeper issue: the gap between media and voters
The incident highlights the growing divide between traditional media and a segment of the population that feels stigmatised for its political choices. "El País went globalist hillbilly long ago", another reader quipped. The open question is whether such attacks strengthen or weaken trust in journalism.
While El País defends its right to criticism, its detractors see the article as further proof of contempt for the centre-right voter. Far from dying down, the debate intensifies with every new episode.
Related discussions in the forum
On 18 May, the Spanish daily El País published an opinion piece by Argentine writer Martín Caparrós describing Madrid residents who vote for the PP (Spain's conservative People's Party) as 'fools'. The piece, titled 'El ínclito Madrid', sparked an immediate backlash on social media and digital outlets, where critics questioned not only the substance of the analysis but also the legitimacy of a foreign author lecturing Spain on its own politics.
The critique: clichés and empty rhetoric
The column opens with a song from the sixties to argue that Madrid has always been a destination for those fleeing war, but it goes off the rails when it equates the conservative vote with a kind of collective foolishness. Readers were quick to point out that invoking Franco, forty years after his death, betrays a lack of arguments. "The ad Francum fallacy never fails", one comment quipped.
The defence of Madrid: healthcare efficiency as a counterexample
Against the claim that Madrileños vote against their own interests, a data-based defence emerged: Madrid's public healthcare is the most efficient in Spain, with shorter waiting lists and the best hospitals. "The PP has not degraded Madrid's healthcare", the argument goes, noting that it holds up in a national context of widespread decline.
The deeper issue: the gap between media and voters
The incident highlights the growing divide between traditional media and a segment of the population that feels stigmatised for its political choices. "El País went globalist hillbilly long ago", another reader quipped. The open question is whether such attacks strengthen or weaken trust in journalism.
While El País defends its right to criticism, its detractors see the article as further proof of contempt for the centre-right voter. Far from dying down, the debate intensifies with every new episode.
Related discussions in the forum
- Tudela cancels the winning Santa Ana 2026 poster after its author admits using artificial intelligence · 61 replies
- The 'Right to the Loo' movement emerges to end queues at women's restrooms and redesign these spaces · 102 replies
- BULLFIGHTING CORNER II · 7809 replies
- Salto de la reja 2026 · 25 replies
Also available in: Deutsch
Summary of a discussion on Burbuja.info - Foro de economía, actualidad y política., translated from Spanish and reviewed before publication. Read the full discussion (11 replies).
More summaries
-
The worst part? You have the right to vote.
The cost of quitting smoking extends beyond health. We analyze the economic and social costs associated with abandoning harmful habits.
-
Sweden: 74% of young voters leaned left
A circulating calculation suggests that 74% of young women in Sweden voted left, highlighting a significant gender divide in the electoral vote.
-
Controversy over 1929 mural at Madrid's Cuatro Caminos Metro station
The 1929 mural at Cuatro Caminos station has reignited the debate over how Madrid's Metro represents the city's history
-
Ayuso Criticizes La Sexta Over Grandfather's Past
La Sexta Columna report on Ayuso's grandfather as Falange leader sparks controversy over politicians' family histories.
-
Night of unrest in A Coruña, Spain as far-left rioters burn a Zara store
Firefighters in A Coruña, Spain responded to several calls over burning bins and cars during a night of unrest. The Zara Home store in Plaza de Lugo went up in flames.
-
Alba Carrillo lashes out at Ana Rosa Quintana, questioning why anyone watches her shows
Alba Carrillo attacks Ana Rosa Quintana, questioning the ratings of her programmes and her editorial judgement.