Anti-bullfighting initiative returns to Spanish Congress with 52 deputies' support

52 deputies have registered a proposition of law to revive the popular legislative initiative (ILP) 'No es mi cultura', which seeks to repeal the 2013 law that declared bullfighting a protected cultural heritage in Spain. The move comes after the same initiative failed in October 2025 when the PSOE abstained, blocking its consideration. Source: elmundoes

What happened

On July 14, 2026, the ILP was presented again at the Congress of Deputies, backed by 52 signatories — 35 more than required. The text, supported by parties including Sumar, Podemos, ERC, Junts, BNG, Compromís, and EH-Bildu, aims to allow autonomous communities to regulate or ban bullfighting. Aida Gascón, spokesperson for the initiative, urged the PSOE to allow a debate, stating: "We want the Socialist Party to be brave and permit a democratic debate that all Spaniards deserve." Source: abces

The reaction

During the presentation, Vox militants heckled with shouts of "nobody cares about the fostered children," according to reports. Source: elmundoes The PSOE's position remains critical: its abstention in October prevented progress. Nahuel González (Sumar) called that blockage a "curtailment of freedom." Source: infobae The PNV, which previously supported the initiative, did not join this time. Source: abces

What's next

Promoters hope the proposition can be debated and approved before the next general elections. They claim 715,000 citizens endorsed the original ILP, and that 92% of Spaniards have no interest in bullfighting. Source: infobae The PSOE faces internal divisions, with figures like Emiliano García‑Page defending bullfighting while others align with animalist views.