
elpais.com
Abascal's US Trip Solidifies International Far-Right Ties
Santiago Abascal, leader of Spain's Vox party, visited the US during Trump's inauguration, meeting with conservative figures and think tanks, while avoiding the Spanish Embassy and focusing on building international far-right connections.
- How did Abascal's visit reflect the ideological alignment between Vox and the Trump-aligned conservative movement in the US?
- Abascal's US trip prioritized networking with ultraconservative think tanks and figures aligned with Trump's ideology, including visits to the Heritage Foundation and the Hudson Institute. He attended events focusing on anti-woke, anti-climate change, and anti-immigration stances, aligning with Trump's global political agenda. His actions highlight the growing international network of far-right political figures.
- What are the potential long-term implications of Abascal's US trip for Vox's international standing and its role within the global far-right network?
- Abascal's trip suggests a strategic move to increase Vox's international profile and solidify ties with like-minded political forces globally. His engagements with influential figures within the US conservative movement and his statements criticizing the EU suggest a long-term strategy to position Vox as a key player in a growing international far-right network. The potential for future collaboration on shared policy agendas remains significant.
- What were the most significant outcomes of Abascal's US trip, considering his engagement with both high-profile figures and conservative think tanks?
- Santiago Abascal, leader of Spain's Vox party, recently concluded a four-day visit to the United States, coinciding with Donald Trump's inauguration. His photo with MMA fighter Conor McGregor garnered nearly a million views on X, exceeding engagement with US officials. Despite being a prominent attendee, Abascal notably skipped the Spanish Embassy.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article's framing emphasizes Abascal's meetings with far-right figures and his alignment with the Trump administration's policies. The headline could be interpreted as highlighting his success through associations with figures like Conor McGregor, potentially overshadowing his actual political engagements during his trip. The descriptions of his meetings with figures like Mike Flynn are framed negatively but this framing is missing for his interactions with other figures.
Language Bias
The article uses loaded language to describe Abascal's associates and ideological allies, such as labeling them as "ultraconservative," "far-right," and "eurófobo." These terms carry negative connotations and may influence the reader's perception of these individuals and their political views. While this is descriptive reporting, these terms are loaded. Neutral alternatives include terms such as "conservative," "right-wing," or simply describing their political positions and affiliations without value judgments.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on Abascal's meetings with figures from the American far-right and omits any mention of meetings he may have had with more centrist or left-leaning individuals or groups. This omission creates a skewed perception of his activities and network in the US. The lack of information regarding the Spanish Embassy visit is also a notable omission. While space constraints might be a factor, the overall impression leans towards a biased selection of information.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a false dichotomy by portraying Abascal's activities as solely focused on the far-right, neglecting the possibility of interactions with a broader spectrum of political actors. The framing contrasts 'the far-right' against a vaguely defined 'establishment' or 'European bureaucracy', ignoring nuances within the political landscape of both Europe and the United States.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article mentions Abascal's opposition to climate change action and his association with groups that also downplay or deny climate change. This aligns with SDG 13 (Climate Action) negatively, as it indicates resistance to efforts to mitigate climate change and adapt to its effects.