Did they really say that? Analysing fake quotes in disinformation campaigns in spain

What is it about?

This study looks at how far-right activists in Spain are creating and spreading fake quotes on social media, especially on Twitter/X. These quotes are falsely attributed to left-wing politicians and are designed to make them look bad—either by making them seem dishonest, incompetent, or irrational. Overall, the paper shows that these fake quotes are a deliberate strategy to weaken political opponents by damaging their reputation and reduce public confidence in democratic institutions.

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Why is it important?

Deliberately spreading fake quotes about political opponents is a serious threat to democracy. First, it undermines democratic debate by replacing facts with lies. When voters are misled by false information, they can’t make informed decisions, which weakens the foundations of a healthy democracy. Second, this tactic erodes trust in public institutions. If people believe that politicians are constantly lying or acting irrationally—based on fake quotes—they may lose faith in the government and its ability to serve the public good. Third, these fabricated messages are a powerful tool for manipulating public opinion. By repeatedly exposing people to false claims, far-right activists can shape how voters feel about certain leaders or policies, even if the information is completely untrue. This kind of manipulation can shift elections and policy debates in dangerous directions. Finally, disinformation like this fuels political polarization. It encourages people to view their opponents not just as wrong, but as immoral or dangerous. This deepens divisions in society and makes it harder for people to work together across political lines. In short, fake quotes are not just lies—they are a strategic weapon used to damage democracy, trust, and social unity.

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