Populism and religious rhetoric in Spain's right-wing Vox party

This thesis examines the intersection of populism and religious rhetoric in Spain’s right-wing political party, Vox. By analyzing Facebook posts from Vox’s national and regional accounts in the months leading up to the 2019 and 2023 national elections, as well as key regional elections in Andalusia and Cantabria, this study explores how the party strategically employs religious themes to shape its populist discourse. The findings indicate that Vox primarily uses religious rhetoric to construct an exclusive national identity, framing perceived external threats such as immigration, secularism, and leftist politics. While the party's use of religious rhetoric declined slightly between 2019 and 2023, its messaging remains heavily focused on out-group opposition rather than in-group religious affirmation. Additionally, the study finds that Vox adapts its rhetoric based on regional religious demographics, emphasizing Christian identity more in traditionally Catholic regions while focusing on nationalism in secular areas. By situating these findings within broader discussions on right-wing populism and democracy, this research contributes to a deeper understanding of how religious rhetoric functions as a tool for political mobilization in contemporary Spain.