UGT and CC OO union delegates AI image incident — Nov 2026

On November 11, 2026, the Spanish Popular Party (PP) utilized artificial intelligence to generate and disseminate a controversial image on social media platforms. The image depicted individuals simulating union delegates from UGT and CC OO enjoying a seafood feast, intended to ridicule a general strike called by the unions. The post was accompanied by the caption: “A critical moment of the strike is approaching… …the appetizer.”

What happened

The PP used generative AI to create a synthetic visual narrative aimed at undermining the credibility of the trade union movement during a period of political tension. By depicting union representatives in a lavish setting, the party sought to frame the strike as an "absurd" political maneuver rather than a legitimate labor action. This digital campaign occurred alongside broader verbal criticism from PP officials, who characterized the strike as "electoral" and "political" in nature. The party’s national spokesperson, Sémper, argued that the strike would cause irreparable damage to the trade union movement, which he described as a fundamental pillar of democracy that has failed to evolve. The use of the AI-generated image served as a tactical component of the PP's wider offensive against the government of Pedro Sánchez, occurring just weeks before the scheduled general elections.