Politics · Spain · 2 hrs ago
Columnist accuses Spain’s polling industry of trying to shape opinion
A column in Spain argues that some election pollsters are trying to shape public opinion, not just measure it.
It focuses on the Centre for Sociological Research, or CIS, Spain’s largest polling institute, led by José Félix Tezanos, a member of the PSOE’s executive committee.
The columnist says the CIS has produced polls that favour the governing PSOE and generate headlines.
The column also says some private pollsters use social media and television to build their profiles and attract clients for their businesses.
It distinguishes this criticism from the role of polls in tracking changes in public opinion over time.
With an election 20 days away, the column says the government is trying to encourage its supporters to turn out.
It also reports that CCOO leader Unai Sordo described a strike as being against the legislative power, but gives no further details about the strike.
An El Mundo columnist accused Spain’s polling industry of trying to influence voters rather than simply predict election results.
The columnist said the Centre for Sociological Research, led by José Félix Tezanos, was being used to shape political opinions and public debate.
The article alleged that some pollsters use attention-grabbing strategies to build their businesses and attract clients.
The columnist argued that political polls can help generate publicity for analysis firms, even when they are not their most profitable activity.
- Who
- An El Mundo columnist accused Spanish pollsters, including the Centre for Sociological Research under José Félix Tezanos.
- What
- The columnist alleged that some pollsters try to shape public opinion and attract clients rather than only measure voting intentions.
- When
- The article was published on 10 November 2026 and updated on 11 November 2026.
- Where
- Spain.
- Why
- The columnist said pollsters use political surveys and publicity to influence debate and promote their businesses.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
El Mundo published the column accusing parts of Spain’s polling industry of trying to influence opinion.
The article was updated.
- Outlet
- El Mundo
- Publication date
- 10 November 2026
- Updated
- 11 November 2026
- Polling institution
- Centre for Sociological Research (CIS)
- CIS leader
- José Félix Tezanos
1 source
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power of the legislature