Ahead of the Spanish elections on July 23, the right-wing parties Vox and Popular Party look set to win the majority of seats, paving the way for a government favorable to hunters. The Royal Spanish Hunting Federation (RFEC) presented a document called "Political commitment for hunting activity 2023/27" to the National Hunting Office (ONC), obtaining the support of both parties.
Santiago Abascal, the President of Vox, signed all the points of the document, including the elimination of an animal welfare law that has raised controversy, as well as changes to the penal code regarding the mistreatment of animals. Other commitments undertaken by Vox include the lifting of traditional hunting bans, the implementation of a national wolf management plan and the defense of Spanish hunting in Europe.
Cuca Gamarra, the general secretary of the Popular Party, has also signed the pledge in favor of hunting. He underlined the work done in the previous legislature to promote hunting as a tool for rural, economic, cultural, social and environmental development. Some of the Popular Party's commitments include the promotion and valorisation of the hunting sector, the participation of hunters in consultative decisions, the support of the security forces in their efforts to combat poaching, and the promotion of agri-environmental measures for wildlife conservation. .
With such commitments from Vox and the Popular Party, Spanish hunters find themselves with a favorable outlook for the future, with the potential to see a reduction in restrictions and greater recognition of their role in society.