Spain’s Far-Right Targets Muslim Minority, Invoking Reconquista History

Spain’s far-right political groups are using historical events from the Reconquista period to justify calls for the expulsion of Muslims, Anadolu Agency reported yesterday citing an official from the Center for Research on the Far-Right (CINVED).

Sergio Gracia, the CINVED president, explained that far-right figures reference events like the Battle of Covadonga and the fall of Granada to portray Muslims as “invaders” who must be driven out. This rhetoric has gained traction, with the new far-right party “The Celebration is Over” securing 3 seats in the European Parliament elections.

Despite the expulsion of Moriscos (Spanish Muslims) centuries ago, Gracia noted that Spain has preserved much of the cultural heritage left by its Muslim population. He called for civil society to counter the far-right’s hate campaigns and ensure the protection of rights and freedoms for all citizens.