Quoting to deceive: fake quotes and political delegitimization in Spanish far right grassroots disinformation campaigns

Abstract This paper focuses on the deliberate fabrication of quotations attributed to rival politicians by Spanish far right activists and their dissemination on social media (particularly Twitter/X). It argues that such practices can be viewed as attempts to undermine the credibility and legitimacy of political adversaries. The data were obtained from Al Descubierto ( http://aldescubierto.org ), an organization specializing in tracking disinformation spread in Spain by the far right. This study examines a collection of anti-government disinformation, specifically focusing on the content of fake quotes attributed to government officials or other left-leaning politicians. The analysis uncovers a calculated attempt to portray left-wing politicians as incompetent leaders, thereby undermining their legitimacy to govern the nation. Specifically, it shows that fake quotes can help present politicians as immoral and their policies as irrational. In short, these fabricated quotes are used to erode trust in governing institutions and delegitimize politicians and policy initiatives.