Glossary · F
Fake news
Anglicism for invented or false news, generally circulated through social media. Concept popularized in the Trump era and transferred to Spain's debate on electoral disinformation.
Falange
Fascist-inspired political movement founded in 1933 by José Antonio Primo de Rivera. After the Civil War it became the single party of the Franco regime (FET y de las JONS). Today it survives in fringe groups.
Fascism
Totalitarian ideology born in Mussolini's Italy, based on radical nationalism, corporatism and charismatic leadership. In Spain it inspired Falange and, in part, the doctrine of early Francoism.
Filibustering
Parliamentary tactic that consists of artificially extending debate (long speeches, mass amendments, motions for reconsideration) to delay or block the passage of a law.
Judicial leaks
Disclosure to the press of confidential information from ongoing proceedings, usually by officials or interested parties. The 2024 case of Attorney General García Ortiz revolves around alleged leaks.
Anti-corruption prosecutor
Prosecutor specialized in economic crimes and corruption involving public officials. They belong to the Special Prosecutor's Office Against Corruption, which reports to the Attorney General.
Gaza Flotilla
Civilian initiatives to break the Israeli naval blockade on Gaza. The most prominent: the Madleen (June 2024) and the Global Sumud Flotilla (2025), both intercepted by Israel. They have triggered intense debate in Spain, with activists such as Ana María Alcalde and international figures like Greta Thunberg on board.
Plumber (political fixer)
Off-the-books operative whom a party or government uses for opaque tasks: leaks to the press, political counter-intelligence, pressure on judges or prosecutors, gathering of sensitive information. The term became popular in the 1980s with Felipe González's 'plumbers' and was revived with the Leire Díez case (2025-2026), tagged as the PSOE 'plumber'.
Francoism
Dictatorial regime led by Francisco Franco between 1939 and 1975, born of the Civil War. Marked by national-Catholicism, a single party (Movimiento Nacional), political repression and, in its later phase, economic developmentalism.
Sociological Francoism
Concept coined by the left to describe authoritarian attitudes and values that persist in Spanish society as a legacy of the regime, without explicit Francoist political affiliation.
Popular Front
Coalition of left and centre-left parties (PSOE, PCE, IR, ERC, etc.) that won the February 1936 elections in Spain. Its victory precipitated the military conspiracy that led to the coup of 18 July.
Fugados (Catalan fugitives)
Term applied to Catalan politicians who fled the procés judicial process (Puigdemont, Comín, Rovira). Their situation shaped the negotiation of the amnesty and the 2023 investiture pacts.