Spain's right-wing parties work together on burqa ban

Increasing cooperation between Spain’s two main right-wing parties could lead to a controversial new law being approved this week. The far-right party Vox has proposed a bill to ban the burqa and niqab in public spaces. Women who wear these face coverings could face fines of up to €600, with higher penalties for repeat offences. The proposal will be debated in the Spanish Parliament, and it may pass with support from the centre-right People's Party (PP). Reports suggest that even Junts per Catalunya has previously expressed support for similar measures.

A spokesperson for the PP, Ester Muñoz, explained that cooperation between her party and Vox shows how the right must focus on issues that “unite” them, especially with a general election expected by 2027. Opinion polls indicate that the PP and Vox together could win enough seats to form a majority government and potentially replace the current administration led by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez. In recent months, Vox has strengthened its position as Spain’s third-largest political force, increasing pressure on the PP to collaborate more closely.

Supporters of the bill argue that banning the burqa and niqab would protect women’s dignity and improve public safety, as these garments completely cover the face. The proposed legislation does not refer to the hijab, which only covers a woman’s hair. The bill also includes prison sentences of up to three years for anyone who forces a woman to wear a burqa or niqab through violence or coercion. If the victim is a minor or vulnerable person, the sentence could extend to four years.

Critics argue that the initiative reflects growing anti-immigration rhetoric and could increase social division. In recent years, Vox has called for stricter migration policies and has proposed banning public celebrations of Muslim festivals such as Eid. The debate over the burqa ban has therefore become part of a wider national discussion about cultural identity, immigration, and the future direction of Spanish politics.

1. Vocabulary Matching

1.burqa — a. Discussed formally in Parliament.
2.fines — b. A face-covering garment worn by some Muslim women.
3.support — c. A formal suggestion for a new law.
4.expressed — d. Money paid as punishment for breaking a law.
5.proposal — e. Acts that break a law.
6.offences — f. Approval or backing for something.
7.debated — g. Communicated or showed an opinion.

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Paragraph 2 

8.administration — h. Work together with others.
9.collaborate — i. Surveys measuring public opinion.
10.strengthened — j. More than half of a group.
11.replace — k. Take the place of something or someone.
12.pressure — l. The government in power.
13.polls — m. Made more powerful or effective.
14.majority — n. The influence or force applied to persuade someone.

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Paragraphs 3 & 4 

15.identity — o. Using force or threats to make someone do something.
16.coercion — p. A new plan or action proposed to address a problem.
17.legislation — q. Easily harmed or affected.
18.initiative — r. The state of being worthy of respect.
19.vulnerable — s. A law or set of laws.
20.dignity — t. The characteristics that make a group distinct.
21.division — u. Separation or disagreement between groups.
22.rhetoric — v. Language designed to persuade or influence opinion.

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2. For these situations, tell me the positive and negative effects:  

 Complete the table.

Situation                               Positive Effects		Negative Effects
Regulating artificial intelligence
Mandatory vaccination policies
Online privacy vs. government surveillance
Banning single-use plastics nationwide
Universal basic income for all citizens
National identity vs. multiculturalism in schools
Cryptocurrency regulation and taxation
Gender-neutral sports competitions 3. Women’s Rights – What We Take for Granted In many Western countries, women enjoy freedoms that are often taken for  granted. These include the right to choose how they dress, freedom to travel alone, access to education and work, freedom of speech, and participation in politics. However, in some Islamic countries, women face restrictions on these freedoms. For example, in certain countries, women must follow strict dress codes, need permission from a male guardian to travel, have limited access to higher education or some jobs, and may face restrictions in expressing opinions or running for political office. Which one of these do you find to be the most restrictive and oppressive for women:    Freedom:  The ability to make your own choices Dress code:  Rules about what to wear Guardian:  A person responsible for protecting or controlling someone Expression:  Saying what you think or feel Politics:  The activities related to running a country or government

3. CHOOSE ONE

Choose one statement and explain why you agree or disagree:

1. Governments should ban face coverings in public for security reasons.

2. Cultural traditions should always be protected.

3. Immigration strengthens a country.

4. Religious freedom should have no limits.

5. Political parties should cooperate even if they disagree on many issues.

6. Public safety is more important than individual freedom.

7. Opinion polls strongly influence political decisions.

8. Social division increases during election campaigns.

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4. DISCUSSION  

1. Should governments regulate what people wear in public?

2. Do you think political cooperation is always positive? Why or why not?

3. How important is cultural identity in modern Europe?

4. What role should opinion polls play in politics?

5. Can banning certain practices increase social tension?

6. What qualities make a political leader effective?

7. Do you think immigration debates will continue to grow in Europe?

8. How can societies balance freedom and security?

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5. DIVISIVE FIGURES

Why are these people considered to be divisive : 

1. Che Guevara

2. Margaret Thatcher

3. Bill Gates

4. Ada Colau

5. Someone not from the list

6. ROLE PLAY

Scenario: A live TV debate is being broadcast across Spain about the proposed burqa ban.

Roles:

🏛 Government spokesperson (PP)
📢 Vox representative
🧕 Muslim community representative
📰 Journalist
🧠 Political analyst
👩 Citizen

Part 1: Before the Debate

• Government spokesperson: Why support the proposal?

• Vox representative: Why is this law necessary?

• Muslim representative: What concerns do you have?

• Political analyst: How could this affect the next election?

• Journalist: Prepare 3 challenging questions.

• Citizen: How does this debate affect everyday life?

Part 2: Live Debate

• The journalist moderates.

• The analyst explains the political impact.

• Each speaker gives a short final statement.