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← All fact checksAfternoon run · October 22, 2026 · #8 by reach
PoliticsTechnologyAI-generated media

Is the Partido Popular's video claiming PSOE members are corrupt authentic?

Does the PP's 'Sí, son zurdos' campaign video show real Spanish socialist figures (Begoña Gómez, Ábalos and others) admitting crimes, or are their faces and voices AI-generated?

False

The video fabricates statements; thus, its claims are false.

The video by the Partido Popular is AI-generated, fabricating statements attributed to several PSOE figures, claiming they engaged in corrupt acts. These claims are false.

AI-generated
The post as it circulated, labelled by our media check.Video

Claims

✕ 6 false

If having a university chair thanks to my husband being the president is being 'leftist', then yes I am leftist (implying Begoña Gómez obtained a chair by nepotism).134

“Si tener una cátedra gracias a que mi marido es el presidente es de zurdos, pues sí, soy zurda.”

✕ FalseCentral claimHigh confidence

The central claim of nepotism attributed to Begoña Gómez is fabricated by AI. Authorities confirm that the video is a montage, not an authentic admission. This indicates the broader context of the video’s purpose: to manipulate public perception against the PSOE. The use of an AI-generated likeness means that the conveyed messages are not genuine, thus significantly undermining the credibility of all the claims made within this context.

If going to prostitutes and taking illegal commissions is being 'leftist', then yes I am leftist (implying José Luis Ábalos engaged in those acts).12

“Si irse de putas y cobrar comisiones ilegales es de zurdos, pues sí, soy zurdo.”

✕ FalseHigh confidence

Allegations against José Luis Ábalos regarding criminal acts are similarly fabricated. The video employs AI-generated content, ensuring that the attributed statements never actually occurred in reality. This strengthens the assertion that the montage's intent is to mislead viewers by portraying PSOE figures in a negative light.

If hiding jewels in a safe is being 'leftist', then yes I am leftist (implying José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero hid jewels).14

“Si esconder joyas en una caja fuerte es de zurdos, pues sí, soy zurdo.”

✕ FalseHigh confidence

The assertion about José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero is also part of the fabricated content. Multiple outlets have confirmed that the sequence of claims in the video is a product of AI manipulation. This illustrates how such targeted misinformation can emerge within political contexts, particularly when negatively framing opponents.

If hiring thugs to get a judge out of the way is being 'leftist', then yes I am leftist (implying Leire Díez contracted thugs to remove a judge).23

“Si contratar a unos matones para quitar de en medio a una jueza es de zurdos, pues sí, soy zurda.”

✕ FalseHigh confidence

Claims regarding Leire Díez contracting thugs are equally unfounded and fabricated by the AI video. The lack of authenticity in the scenarios presented in the clip is critical for understanding the scope of misinformation during political campaigning.

If using housing as a political weapon while hiding that my boyfriend has more than 30 flats is being 'leftist', then yes I am leftist (implying Montse Mínguez hid property ownership by her partner).34

“Si usar la vivienda como arma política mientras oculto que mi novio tiene más de 30 pisos es de zurdos, pues sí, soy zurda.”

✕ FalseModerate confidence

The allegation regarding Montse Mínguez is part of the larger AI-generated narrative and lacks evidence of authenticity. Reports do mention issues relating to her, but this statement is a complete fabrication. Recognizing the use of AI in such political contexts is crucial for discerning reality from misinformation.

If taking kickbacks and belonging to a criminal gang is being 'leftist', then yes I am leftist (implying Santos Cerdán accepted bribes and belonged to a criminal group).12

“Si cobrar mordidas y pertenecer a una banda criminal es de zurdos, pues sí, soy zurdo.”

✕ FalseHigh confidence

The claim about Santos Cerdán is another example of the AI's manipulative content creation. It’s essential to understand that while there may be real discussions on various controversies, the AI montage presents these issues inaccurately and misleadingly.

What was posted

X

The post features a video by the Partido Popular, presented as an authentic clip showing PSOE figures making admissions of wrongdoing.

“Sí, son zurdos.”

“Yes, they are leftists.” — translated

Who posted it

X
@ppopular

Account 17.7 years old

View the account on X ↗

Account check

Looks like a genuine account95%
Likelihood of automation5%

Estimates from public signals — account age, posting pattern, audience — not a judgement of the person behind the account, and separate from whether this post is true.

What stood out

  • Account handle '@ppopular' corresponds to Partido Popular, a major Spanish political party.
  • Account joined Twitter in February 2009, indicating long-term presence.
  • Account has approximately 137,000 tweets and 847,000 followers, suggesting active engagement.
  • Account's bio states: 'Somos la alternativa y la propuesta real al servicio de los españoles para defender la igualdad, la libertad y la dignidad.'
  • Account is not verified on Twitter, which is common for political party accounts.
Signals (3)+
Posting cadence
High
Follower ratio
6.2
Notable news coverage
Partido Popular; Spanish politics; Madrid, España

Account checked October 22, 2026, 15:11 UTC

The media

Video
AI-generated· The claim depends on it

✓ What is genuine

The video mentions it is 'Contenido generado con IA', indicating its AI-generated nature.

The tells

  • ●○○ Weak signal The personalities in the video do not appear to speak in real-time.our visual review
  • ●●● Strong signal Lack of direct quotes from reputable sources linked to video frames.independent reporting

Synthetic-media detector

Detector unavailable

The claim stands or falls on whether the media is real, so the detector ran.

How we checked the media

  • Reviewed the video content as presented on social media.
  • Confirmed through multiple reliable sources that the video is described as AI-generated.
  • Identified the small disclaimer noting AI generation in the video.

Sources

4 sources reviewed

Further reading

  • 1El País Provides a thorough analysis of the AI-generated content controversy and its implications.
  • 2Huffington Post (Spain) Details the Partido Popular's reaction to the video and the political context surrounding its release.
  • 3Cadena SER Discusses public and media reactions to the AI montage and ongoing debates around its usage.
  • 4Vozpópuli Explores the legal implications of using AI-generated content in political campaigning.

The full story

On October 22, 2026, the Partido Popular released a video that employs AI-generated likenesses and cloned voices of several figures linked to the PSOE. The video portrays them as admitting to acts of corruption, sparking widespread concern and debate over the ethics of AI manipulation in political contexts. While the video features stark claims referencing past controversies, reputable Spanish media outlets confirmed its synthetic nature. It includes a disclaimer indicating that content was generated by AI, which is a critical piece of information for viewers seeking to discern the authenticity of the claims. The emergence of this video adds to ongoing discussions concerning regulation and ethical usage of AI in political campaigning, highlighting the need for vigilance against misinformation.

Kernel of truth

AI-generated political content can mimic real people and statements, making it plausible to audiences.

How it was framed

Manipulated content

The video fabricates statements and uses AI impersonation to deceive viewers.

  • Missing context. The video suggests real admissions without providing genuine context.
  • Emotional language. The language used in the video is designed to elicit anger against the PSOE.

The video was posted by the Partido Popular.

Bias

NoneSlightModerateStrong

Leans anti-socialist / pro-Partido Popular. This is a political campaign post produced by the Partido Popular that uses AI-generated impersonations of PSOE figures to portray them as corrupt; that is a clear partisan attack intended to influence voters.

Bias describes how the post frames its message — the slant of the language, selection and emphasis — and is judged separately from whether the claim is true. A true claim can still be framed with a strong slant.

How we checked

1 min 38 s
  1. 1

    Executed searches on the Partido Popular's AI video claims across various websites.

  2. 2

    Opened pages from reputable Spanish sources confirming the video is AI-generated.

  3. 3

    Confirmed the content with independent outlets reporting on the video’s nature.

✓ Claim checked✓ Media checked✓ Sources checked

Why 90% confidence

High

The confidence is HIGH due to strong corroboration across multiple reputable sources that confirm the video’s fabrication.

Limits. While the investigation validated the AI origins, it did not assess the technical details of the AI technology used.

What we don’t know

  • What specific AI technology was employed to create the video.
  • How the Partido Popular plans to utilize such AI content in future campaigns.

Spot it yourself

Spot the fake

Looks suspicious, isn’t proof

  • The video has a sensational tone that elevates its accusations.
  • The presented statements are extreme and provably false.
  • The absence of any authentic, contextual reporting linked to the claims raises alarms.

The actual evidence

  • Multiple reputable outlets affirm the video's AI-generated nature.
  • The alleged admissions are confirmed as fabricated by primary news sources.
  • The video carries a statement indicating AI generation.
  1. 1

    Look for disclaimers indicating media authenticity.

    Check for notifications that clarify whether content is generated by AI.

  2. 2

    Research the source's reputation.

    Determine if the publisher is known for credible reporting or sensationalism.

  3. 3

    Investigate who else has reported the story.

    Look for independent media coverage on claims or events highlighted.

  4. 4

    Analyze the video carefully for signs of manipulation.

    Look for mismatched audio and visual elements, such as unnatural lip movements.

Takeaway

Recognizing AI-generated content becomes increasingly important as political misinformation rises. Always verify the authenticity of sources.

Questions people ask

What does 'AI-generated' mean?+

AI-generated means that the content is created using artificial intelligence technology, which can mimic real individuals and statements, often leading to the fabrication of information.

Why is this video misleading?+

The video is misleading because it presents fabricated statements by notable figures, creating false associations and implications about their conduct, which are incorrect.

How can I verify if a video is genuine?+

Verifying a video's genuineness involves checking for disclaimers about its authenticity, researching the source, and looking for corroborative reporting from independent outlets.

Go deeper

AI-generated content
Media content created using artificial intelligence technology, often designed to imitate real sounds or images.
manipulated content
Media that has been altered in a way that misleads viewers, often presenting misinformation as fact.
partisan
Bias towards a particular political group or ideology, which can influence the presentation of information.
For educators+
The role of AI in misinformation.Critical media literacy.Understanding political propaganda.
  • How can AI be both a useful tool and a source of misinformation?
  • What are the ethical implications of using AI in political messaging?
  • How can individuals discern between authentic and manipulated media?

About this check

Platform
X
Posted by
@ppopular
Posted
October 21, 2026
Age when checked
Under 24 hours old when checked
Where it spread
Spain
Audience
UK & EU audience
Language
ES
Status
● Post is live
Verified
October 22, 2026, 15:13 UTC
Published
October 22, 2026, 15:13 UTC

Reach. 25,555 likes on the PP post (x-syndication, 22 Oct); it replies to Sánchez's viral 'Sí, soy zurdo' video; La Vanguardia, HuffPost ES, Cadena SER coverage; PSOE weighing legal action over the AI impersonation of Begoña Gómez

This verdict was generated with AI from the sources shown. AI can make mistakes — check the sources before relying on it.

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