From radicalism to opportunism: the Polisario separatist front and its dangerous drift in Spain

Traditionally linked to the radical left (from the Communist Party and Izquierda Unida, to Podemos and Sumar), it has begun to explore new alliances, even with sectors of the far right, in a clear attempt to survive in an increasingly unstable political context.

This tactical reorientation is compounded by its historical closeness to pro-independence groups such as Esquerra Republicana, CUP, and EH Bildu, with which it shares a narrative of confrontation against the unity of the state.

Now, the current Spanish scenario, marked by acute tension, a growing confrontation between the PSOE and the PP, and the erosion of the pro-independence parties, has led the Polisario to seek new paths, even if this means flirting with right-wing populism.

In this context, pro-Polisario activists are promoting a dangerous campaign of defamation and fear against Morocco (Morocco wants to invade Spain, as it did with the Sahara). They use a discourse laden with hatred, racism, and xenophobia, aimed especially at Moroccan citizens residing in Spain.

This discourse converges with that of right-wing social agitators.

It has reached the point where far-right parties have put up posters in the streets of Almería with manipulated images that symbolically pit women in burkas (attributed to the PP and PSOE) against model young women supposedly linked to VOX.

This strategy aims to manipulate and polarize public opinion, sow fear, and distort the truth.

The most alarming thing is that even media outlets considered serious and responsible are echoing these toxic narratives, unwittingly or deliberately fueling a spiral of hatred that jeopardizes democratic coexistence.

It should not be forgotten that Spanish law is clear: Article 510 of the Criminal Code severely punishes incitement to hatred, violence, or discrimination on the grounds of race, religion, or nationality.

In addition, Law 15/2022 on equal treatment strengthens the legal framework to protect victims and ensure social cohesion.

The Polisario Front and those who support it from the radical fringe must know that they are treading on very dangerous ground. In a democracy such as Spain's, which has passed laws on historical and democratic memory to heal the wounds of the past, there is no room for those who seek to resurrect the rhetoric of fear and hatred.

The reality is that we are no longer dealing with a supposed left-wing movement that claims to defend noble causes. We are facing a group that, in order to maintain its presence, is willing to destroy fundamental principles of the rule of law, sowing division and confrontation among citizens.

And in the face of this, Spanish society, mature, pluralistic, and democratic, will respond with firmness, common sense, and legality.

Machij Elkarkri . Political analyst and socialist activist

Article previously published in Mares 30