Culture Minister Ernestas Urtasunas stated that “more and more” Spaniards are concerned about the welfare of animals, so “we do not think it is appropriate to preserve the award given for cruelty to animals”. In an interview with private television La Sexta, he said that “these forms of animal torture are rewarded with medals and cash prizes, using public money.”
The annual award was established in 2011. under the previous Socialist government and first awarded in 2013, winners receive 30,000. euros. The award has been won by top matadors such as Enrique Ponza and Julian Lopez, known as “El Juli”.
Bullfighting remains very popular in some circles in Spain, with the best matadors considered celebrities. But the mass appeal of such events has faded, with polls showing declining interest across the country, particularly among young people.
According to the data of the Ministry of Culture, during 2021-2022 season only 1.9 percent. Spanish residents visited bullfights, there is no data on later periods.
Spain’s main opposition conservative People’s Party (PP) has vowed to return the bonus if it returns to power. According to its representatives, bullfighting is a reflection of Spanish traditions and culture. For its part, animal rights party PACMA has called for the “total abolition” of any public support for bullfighting, as it “cannot be justified under any circumstances”.
Several regional governments, including one run by the Socialists, have said they will create their own bonuses to replace the abolished one.
Fundacion del Toro de Lidia, a Spanish non-governmental organization that promotes bullfighting, said the culture minister’s duty is to “promote all cultural manifestations, including bullfighting.”
However, animal rights groups welcomed the decision by Pedro Sanchez’s government. “This measure is an important step in the fight against bullfighting, a controversial practice that has sparked debate for years,” said animal rights group Animanaturalis.
Tags: Spain cancel national bullfighting bonus
