(Euro Weekly) Alberto Núñez Feijóo, leader of Spain’s Popular Party (PP), has declared his support for prohibiting the use of the burka and the niqab in public spaces, while clarifying that his position does not extend to the hijab.
Speaking on August 17, Feijóo argued that garments such as the burka and niqab “undermine the dignity of women” and also pose questions of public safety. He stated: “Everything that undermines the dignity of a woman, or public safety, should be prohibited in our country.” He emphasised that this reasoning applies specifically to the burka and niqab, but not to the hijab.
The PP leader explained that the hijab, a veil that covers the head and neck but leaves the face visible, should not be prohibited under these terms. In his words, the hijab “does not affect dignity or security” in the same way as the burka and niqab, which cover the face completely.
