Santiago Abascal at CPAC 2025: A message of resistance and hope from Washington. - Gateway Hispanic
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Yesterday, Santiago Abascal, leader of the Spanish party Vox, took the stage at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Washington D.C., the world’s most influential conservative forum.
In his second appearance at this event in Washington, D.C., Abascal delivered a speech filled with optimism and determination, aligning himself with the most prominent figures in global conservatism, such as U.S. President Donald Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance.
His speech, which was met with enthusiastic applause, reflected Vox’s growing international projection and its commitment to a revival of traditional values in the West.
ADVERTISEMENT A Changing World: From Contempt to Hope.Abascal began his speech by recalling his presence on the same stage a year earlier, when he faced «the same concerns» and «the same contempt» from those who, according to him, underestimated the rise of the conservative movement. «Now it’s our turn to smile,» he declared, emphasizing that the global political landscape has begun to shift in line with the aspirations he defended back then. For the Vox leader, the world «is already more like the one we dreamed of just a year ago«, thanks to courageous leaders who listen to their people and fulfill their promises.
In this context, Abascal pointed out that the «plan of misery and wokism» promoted by globalist elites is in retreat. His message resonated in an auditorium that, year after year, gathers leaders and activists from the Republican Party and its international allies, solidifying CPAC as an epicenter of «Trumpism» and conservative ideas.
Gratitude to J.D. Vance and Criticism of Europe.One of the most notable moments of his speech was his explicit gratitude to U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance, whose remarks at the recent Munich Security Conference had sparked controversy among European leaders. Abascal praised Vance for «speaking great truths» that, in his view, Europe needed to hear. «Thank you, simply thank you,» he stated, supporting the vice president’s criticism of «unelected oligarchies» that, in his opinion, make harmful decisions without consulting citizens.
The Vox leader lambasted the European Union, accusing it of having «used and abandoned» Ukraine in its conflict with Russia while depending on Vladimir Putin for energy and promoting climate policies he considers suicidal. In a direct criticism of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, Abascal asserted that Sánchez «pays for the bombs» falling in Ukraine by doubling Spain’s purchase of Russian gas since the war began. This attack comes just days before Sánchez’s scheduled visit to Kyiv on February 24, adding a political dimension to his remarks.
ADVERTISEMENT The Reconquest of Freedom and Western Civilization.The core of Abascal’s speech was a call to «reconquer» what the West has lost. He listed a series of freedoms and values that, in his view, are under threat: freedom of speech, economic freedom, industry, agriculture, energy production, borders, national identity, and public safety. «Europe is not Islamist submission or woke ideology,» he stated, defining Western civilization as a legacy of «Greek philosophy, Roman law, and Christian spirituality.»
Abascal also warned of a «serious democratic crisis» in Europe, where bureaucratic elites, especially in Brussels, impose agendas such as mass immigration and climate fanaticism, which he believes destroy social cohesion and prosperity. He contrasted this situation with Trump’s leadership, describing it as a model that «puts Americans’ interests first» and sets the course for preserving civilization.
A Hopeful Ending and a Call to Action.The speech concluded with a message of hope and action. «We are going to reconquer our future. The era of darkness is coming to an end,» Abascal proclaimed, urging the audience to «keep fighting» tirelessly. His words were met with a standing ovation that underscored the connection between his vision and that of the attendees, many of whom see Vox as a key ally in the battle against globalism and progressive policies.
Context and Relevance.Abascal’s participation in CPAC 2025 is not an isolated event. Vox has strengthened its presence in this forum in recent years, forging ties with figures like Trump, Milei, Orbán, and Farage. His speech comes at a time of resurgence for global conservatism, following Trump’s recent victory in the United States and the rise of like-minded leaders in other countries. For Abascal, this event represents a platform to project his message beyond Spain, positioning himself as an influential voice in the international right.
ADVERTISEMENTUltimately, Santiago Abascal’s speech at CPAC 2025 was a blend of sharp criticism and combative optimism. By aligning Vox with the «revolutionary common sense» of Trump and Vance, the Spanish leader seeks not only to strengthen his position in Europe but also to inspire a transnational movement that, in his words, is leaving behind «one of the darkest chapters of the free world.»
About The Author Joana CamposJoana Campos es abogada y editora con más de 10 años de experiencia en la gestión de proyectos de desarrollo internacional, enfocada en la sostenibilidad y el impacto social positivo. Anteriormente, trabajó como abogada corporativa. Egresada de la Universidad de Guadalajara.
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Joana Campos is a lawyer and editor with over 10 years of experience in managing international development projects, focused on sustainability and positive social impact. Previously, she worked as a corporate lawyer. She is a graduate of the University of Guadalajara.