Six years of Pedro Sánchez using El Guernica until the complaint for "partisan" use: "The painting is universal heritage and not campaign material"

On October 13, 2026, Pedro Sánchez recorded a video in front of Picasso's Guernica, emphasizing Spain's anti-war stance. This follows a history of using the painting as a political symbol, leading to controversy over its use in electoral campaigns. Experts debate the appropriateness of using Guernica for political messaging, with some arguing it should remain a universal heritage piece, while others see it as a legitimate symbol for leftist politics. The Central Electoral Board has opened a sanctioning file against Sánchez for allegedly using the artwork for partisan purposes, highlighting the ongoing tension between art and politics.