La Vanguardia fires columnist over article accusing PSOE of seeking civil conflict

La Vanguardia sidelines columnist over a piece attacking the government's drift

On 5 May, La Vanguardia informed jurist and columnist José Ignacio Lacasta of the suspension of what the outlet euphemistically called "our relationship". The reason, according to digital media: the publication in the newspaper of an article titled 'La revancha' (The Revenge) accusing Pedro Sánchez's PSOE of seeking a civil conflict to put a swift end to the democracy of 78. The outcome has fallen like a slab on freedom of expression in a media outlet that prides itself on being an open forum.

What the article that cost him his job said

Lacasta's text, fragments of which have circulated, described a Spain split into two sides separated by "a damned wall erected at a bad time". It argued that the prime minister's strategy involves deliberate social fracture, institutional blockade and radical polarisation, with the aim of leading to a hybrid civil confrontation. A harsh diagnosis, but not particularly new in a country where political brawling sets the daily agenda.

The outlet's reaction was swift. As the journalist himself acknowledged, management informed him of "the suspension of our relationship", a formula that in journalistic jargon means being invited to pack your bags. No official statement, no correction: silence as the only response to someone who dared to write what many think.

Freedom of expression, another collateral victim

The case has peine the debate on the limits of freedom of expression in Spain's major media groups. That an outlet fires a columnist over an opinion piece, however uncomfortable for those in power, sets a dangerous precedent. Especially when the text contained no insults or hate speech, but a political critique – harsh, yes – of the authoritarian drift that some attribute to the current occupant of La Moncloa.

Some argue that the article crossed the line from legitimate criticism by suggesting the prime minister deliberately seeks civil conflict. Others, however, maintain that the outlet's reaction proves the article was spot on: if power cannot be criticised in the media, where does journalism stand? The question is not rhetorical, but for now it has no answer.

The outlet's silence and the noise on social media

While La Vanguardia remains silent, social media has taken up the gauntlet. Journalists, jurists and anonymous citizens have shared the article, wondering why a man of letters and law – Lacasta is a professor of Philosophy of Law – cannot say in a newspaper what millions of Spaniards discuss over after-dinner conversation. The irony is not lost on anyone: the outlet that waves freedom of expression as its banner destroys it when the message bothers.

The episode leaves more questions than answers. Was it an editorial decision taken by the newspaper's management? Were there external pressures? Is it an isolated case or a trend in media that call themselves plural? The answers, for now, are not forthcoming. What is clear is that in Spain writing can cost you your job when those in power smile.