The spirited exchange began during a 2016 debate over Mariano Rajoy’s investiture as Prime Minister of Spain. Aitor Esteban, a deputy for the Basque Nationalist Party (PNV), referenced a traditional saying – “If you love me, Juan, your deeds will tell you” – adapting it to address Rajoy directly. Rajoy’s response, offering Esteban a tractor in exchange for “grain,” quickly became a memorable moment in Spanish parliamentary history, as reported by El País. But beyond the witty repartee, a new dynamic is quietly taking hold in the Spanish Congress of Deputies: the increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI) to craft political discourse.
While the 2016 exchange wasn’t AI-generated, a growing number of lawmakers and their staff are now turning to tools like ChatGPT, Copilot and Gemini to assist with everything from data research to drafting speeches. This trend, as reported by El País, reflects a broader adoption of AI across various sectors, and raises questions about the future of debate and deliberation in the Spanish parliament. The use of AI in politics is not limited to Spain; governments and political campaigns globally are exploring its potential, but the open discussion within the Spanish Congress offers a unique glimpse into the practical realities and ethical considerations.
A Tool for Speed and Style
“AI has improved a lot in recent years,” one elected official told El País anonymously. “It prepares interventions particularly quickly and can even mold them to a certain style that you tell it to.” The process, according to those familiar with it, involves feeding the AI platform key elements – ideas, excerpts from reports – and requesting a first draft. From there, the output can be refined with specific instructions, such as “Now put it in a more aggressive tone,” or even “Make it in the style of Cayetana [Álvarez de Toledo],” a prominent figure known for her sharp rhetoric. This ability to mimic style and rapidly generate text is proving particularly appealing to lawmakers facing demanding schedules and a constant need to respond to evolving events.
The anonymity of many sources within the Congress highlights a sensitivity surrounding the use of AI. Some fear public backlash, while others believe discretion is necessary to avoid creating an uneven playing field. This caution comes as the Spanish government, led by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, simultaneously promotes the responsible development of AI. Sánchez himself was participating in the Impact AI Summit in New Delhi, India, on February 18th – the same day many of these conversations about AI’s use within the Congress were taking place – advocating for an AI industry that is “human” and focused on the common good, according to El País.
Beyond the Plenary: Where AI is Taking Root
While some deputies believe AI hasn’t yet significantly impacted the high-profile, often theatrical, sessions of the plenary, its influence is growing in other areas. One deputy noted that the often-contentious floor debates tend to follow pre-determined party lines, and that AI might actually encourage more rational and fact-based arguments. Yet, the same deputy acknowledged that AI is becoming increasingly common in committee meetings and legislative research. The sheer volume of work – a single legislative decree can run 700 pages, with three such decrees potentially up for vote in a single week – makes AI a tempting tool for staying informed and preparing arguments.
The use of AI extends beyond speechwriting. Lawmakers are leveraging it for tasks like analyzing legal precedents and drafting social media posts. One deputy admitted to outsourcing the majority of their X (formerly Twitter) publications to AI, while another uses it to create “skeletons of speeches,” carefully balancing the efficiency of AI with the desire to maintain a personal touch. Verification tools powered by AI are also gaining traction, helping to combat the spread of misinformation and ensure the accuracy of claims made during debates.
The Philosophical Debate: Rationality vs. Audacity
The integration of AI into the political process isn’t without its critics. Daniel Innerarity, a professor of Political Philosophy, cautions that while AI might temper the excesses of a figure like Donald Trump, it could also stifle the boldness needed for truly transformative leadership. “If Winston Churchill had asked AI about entering the Second World War, it probably would have responded that it was irresponsible and now we would be living in a very different, Hitlerian Europe,” Innerarity told El País. He argues that while AI can be useful for routine tasks, it lacks the “audacity” required for significant political decisions.
There appears to be a generational divide in attitudes towards AI. Younger lawmakers are generally more open to experimentation, while older colleagues express skepticism or a preference for traditional methods. One deputy stated they prefer to write speeches by hand, believing the process aids memorization and deeper engagement with the material. This resistance isn’t necessarily a rejection of technology altogether, but rather a concern about losing the personal connection and authenticity that can resonate with voters.
The Future of Political Discourse
Joan Capdevila, a deputy for ERC, publicly acknowledged using ChatGPT during a parliamentary session in March 2023, using it to mock a motion presented by the Popular Party. He prompted the AI to respond to the motion, and read the resulting statement – critical of the PP’s proposals – aloud in the chamber, as reported by El País. This act, while intended as satire, underscored the growing presence of AI in the Spanish Congress and sparked a wider conversation about its implications.
As AI continues to evolve, its role in shaping political discourse is likely to expand. The challenge for lawmakers will be to harness its potential for efficiency and accuracy while safeguarding the qualities of critical thinking, creativity, and genuine human connection that are essential for effective governance. The next key development to watch will be the ongoing debate within the Spanish parliament regarding potential regulations or guidelines for the use of AI in legislative work, a discussion expected to gain momentum in the coming months.
What are your thoughts on the use of AI in politics? Share your opinions and join the conversation below.
