ABSTRACT
Spain has been one of the countries most affected by the coronavirus in terms of infections and deaths, and it has implemented very strict measures to contend with the virus. Moreover, two populist parties coexist in the Spanish party system, making the debate around populism in Spain a complex and multifaceted issue. This chapter argues that, although ideology shapes the populist parties’ main political positions related to the health crisis, it is the government-opposition dynamics that most influence the political stance and discursive elements used by Spanish populist parties during this time. However, neither Podemos nor Vox have managed to take advantage of the health crisis, and both Spanish populist parties have failed to polarize public debate around the COVID-19 pandemic in their favor.
