Glossary · C
Caja de Ferraz
Journalistic nickname for the PSOE's alleged off-the-books cash fund, metaphorically located at the party's federal headquarters on calle Ferraz, Madrid. It arose from Víctor de Aldama and Koldo García's statements at the masks-case trial (May 2026), which described cash deliveries in 500-euro bills there. The National Court has spun the testimony into a separate piece to investigate the party's possible irregular financing.
Cantonalism
Radical federalist movement that arose during the First Republic (1873) and sought to set up independent cantons (Cartagena, Málaga, Valencia). It was crushed by the army and precipitated the regime's collapse.
Catalanism
Political movement that asserts Catalan national identity. It encompasses both moderate, autonomist Catalanism (Convergència, historic ERC) and contemporary independentism.
Centre-right
Moderate political space to the right of the centre. In Spain it has been embodied mostly by the PP; from 2006-2019 Ciudadanos contested the space. Vox radicalized it rightward from 2018.
Chistorras (cash bribes)
Informal nickname documented in the Koldo case for envelopes of cash, allegedly commissions on mask contracts. The casual tone among those involved when referring to the payments drew media attention.
Cloacas del Estado (state sewers)
Journalistic expression for parastatal or paragovernmental structures dedicated to dirty operations: espionage, fabricating false reports, pressuring judges and outlets. Associated with cases such as the GAL (1983-1987), the so-called 'patriotic police' (2012-2016) or the 'plumber' Leire Díez plot (2025-2026).
Communism in Spain
Political tradition represented by the PCE (1921), legalized in 1977 by Adolfo Suárez as a milestone of the Transition. It later joined Izquierda Unida, Unidas Podemos and Sumar.
Conflict of interest
Situation in which a public official takes part in decisions that affect their own or close interests. A frequent cause of resignations and a core issue in transparency and senior-officials laws.
Constitution of Cádiz (La Pepa)
First Spanish Constitution, promulgated on 19 March 1812 (Saint Joseph's day, hence 'La Pepa'). Pioneer of liberalism, it declared national sovereignty and citizens' rights, and inspired constitutionalist movements in Spanish America.
Constitutionalism
Defence of the 1978 Constitution as a common framework, against rupturist positions. Identifies PP, PSOE and, while it existed, Ciudadanos as the constitutionalist bloc.
Cordon sanitaire
Political strategy of isolating a party deemed extreme, ruling it out as a coalition or pact partner. In Spain it has been applied by the left against Vox, though without consensus across all parties.
Crispación (political tension)
Climate of extreme political and media tension, with mutual disqualifications. Term introduced into public debate during the Zapatero legislature (2004-2008) and revived from 2018 onwards.