PP Withdraws Controversial Tweet After Dominican Republic Objects to AI-Generated Video
The Partido Popular (PP) is finding itself in hot water after a social media strategy backfired. The party, led by Alberto Núñez Feijóo, is now retracting a tweet following a formal complaint from the Dominican Republic regarding a video generated using Artificial Intelligence (AI). This incident is highlighting the escalating battleground of political discourse on social media and the potential pitfalls of using AI in political messaging.
The Offending Video: 'La Isla de las Corrupciones'
The controversy stems from a video posted by the PP that satirized the popular reality TV show "La Isla de las Tentaciones" (Temptation Island), which is filmed in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. According to Virginia Martínez (2025), writing for El País, the video repurposed the show's format, depicting the Dominican Republic's beaches and landmarks, but replaced the contestants with images of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, his wife Begoña Gómez, and other prominent figures embroiled in recent scandals. The video, titled "La Isla de las Corrupciones" (The Island of Corruptions), also featured the Dominican Republic's flag and map, prompting strong condemnation from the Caribbean nation's government.
Dominican Republic's Outcry
The Dominican Republic's government responded swiftly and firmly. In a statement, the Foreign Ministry expressed its “most forceful rejection of the malicious and incomprehensible attack on the Dominican Republic” (El País, 2025). The ministry further stated that using the country’s image and national symbols for internal Spanish political matters was “unacceptable.” They emphasized the Dominican Republic’s commitment to the rule of law and transparency, lamenting the “gratuitous offense” that does not reflect the historically fraternal relationship between the two nations. This strong reaction underscores the sensitivity surrounding national symbols and the potential for international diplomatic repercussions when AI-generated content is perceived as disrespectful or misrepresentative.
PP's Apology and Removal
Following the Dominican Republic's official complaint, the PP removed the video from its social media platforms. The party issued an apology, stating, “This morning, a video denouncing the corruption of Pedro Sánchez’s government was published on social media. At no time was there any intention to damage the image of the Dominican Republic, a country with a long tradition of friendship and closeness with Spain” (El País, 2025). Despite the apology, the incident raises questions about the PP's strategic judgment and the potential for such actions to alienate international allies.
The Broader Context: Social Media Warfare and the Youth Vote
This incident is part of a broader trend of increasing political polarization and the use of social media as a battleground. As Martínez (2025) points out, the PP is increasingly relying on AI-generated videos to target Prime Minister Sánchez and his allies. However, this strategy appears to be backfiring, especially among younger voters. Recent polling data suggests that the far-right Vox party is gaining significant traction among young Spaniards, while the PP is struggling to connect with this demographic. A Eurobarometer survey indicates that young Europeans, particularly in Spain, are increasingly turning to social media platforms like Instagram for political news. This shift highlights the importance of online engagement for political parties, but also the risks of alienating voters through controversial or poorly conceived social media campaigns.
The Challenge of Reaching Young Voters
The data reveals a concerning trend for the PP. According to a 40dB poll for El País and Cadena SER, Vox is capturing 24% of the vote among 18- to 24-year-olds, compared to the PP's mere 8% (Martínez, 2025). This gap demonstrates the PP's struggle to resonate with younger voters. The party's reliance on tactics like AI-generated videos, which can be perceived as manipulative or disrespectful, may be further exacerbating this problem. In contrast, Vox boasts a substantial following on platforms like Instagram (772,000 followers) compared to the PP's 172,000, indicating a stronger online presence and engagement strategy.
The Future of Political Messaging
The PP's retraction of the video and subsequent apology serve as a cautionary tale for political parties navigating the complex landscape of social media. As AI technology becomes more sophisticated and accessible, the temptation to use it for political messaging will likely increase. However, this incident highlights the importance of carefully considering the potential consequences of such actions, particularly in relation to international relations and public perception. The incident is prompting a broader discussion about the ethics and responsibility of using AI in political campaigns. Moving forward, political parties will need to strike a delicate balance between leveraging new technologies and maintaining ethical standards and diplomatic sensitivity. It is clear that engaging younger voters requires more than just viral content; it demands authenticity, respect, and a genuine understanding of their concerns.
