Spanish Psychologist Challenges Narrative on Youth Far-Right Extremism

Spanish Psychologist Sounds Alarm on Rise of Far-Right Extremism Among Youth Spain is grappling with a growing concern: the rise of far-right extremism among its young people. Recently, psychologist Àlex Letosa appeared on a live television program to discuss this worrying trend. Letosa challenges the prevailing narrative, which often paints a bleak picture of widespread fascist support among youth. He states, "We need to avoid being so catastrophic. The data shows that while a concerning percentage of young people are attracted to these ideas, a much larger percentage are not." Letosa backs up his assertion with statistics indicating that between 24% and 28% of young men and 14% of young women express support for far-right or fascist ideologies. However, he points out that a significant 70-80% of adolescents do not. This crucial distinction, he argues, is often overlooked in the current discourse. He attributes the appeal of extremism, in part, to a highly competitive society that prioritizes image and consumption. Letosa suggests that a lack of strong family bonds and community support leaves some adolescents vulnerable to these ideologies, providing an easy answer to their feelings of isolation. "We've lost community, we've lost family," he observes. "What's left for them? Their phones and these easily accessible ideas that respond to their needs." Letosa's solution is multifaceted. He urges a long-term investment in education, emphasizing the need for a more holistic approach that fosters positive conflict resolution and community building. He concludes, "Let's start by educating, and let's not have a short-sighted vision. We need to invest in a 30-year plan that focuses on building stronger communities and resolving conflicts constructively."