The Crisis of the Royal Spanish Academy
The Royal Spanish Academy (RAE) is currently facing its most significant institutional crisis in decades. On January 11, 2026, acclaimed novelist and RAE member Arturo Pérez-Reverte published a column in El Mundo, describing the RAE’s linguistic policy as “lax and ambiguous” and accusing it of bowing to media pressures. This column has sparked controversy within the Academy and ignited a deeper conflict challenging the very foundations of this longstanding institution.
The Catalyst of Controversy
The article, titled “Why it neither fixes, nor cleans, nor gives splendor,” served as a public critique of the RAE’s approach to language regulation. Pérez-Reverte lambasted the institution for its lack of decisiveness in addressing issues like inclusive language and grammatical norms, remarking that it merely registers the prevailing trends influenced by social media. He argued that this laxity undermines the traditions upheld by literary giants such as Cervantes and García Márquez.
Escalation of Tensions
The timing of Pérez-Reverte’s publication exacerbated the situation, coinciding with the Zenda Awards—literary awards he founded—taking place just days later, on January 13. Various academics attending the ceremony found themselves entangled in the ongoing debate, while RAE director Santiago Muñoz Machado notably opted not to attend, signaling potential divisions within the institution.
Internal Divisions
During a plenary session on January 16, 2026, the fracture within the RAE became evident. Some academics criticized Pérez-Reverte’s remarks as demonstrating ignorance of the Academy’s daily activities, while others rallied to defend the current leadership. This heated discussion left unresolved issues and highlighted the mounting tensions within the Academy.
Underlying Structural Issues
The Pérez-Reverte controversy shines a light on long-standing structural tensions within the RAE. The Academy is comprised of a diverse membership—literary creators, philologists, and various professionals—whose differing views now create friction. This diversity, once seen as a strength, is now questioned both internally and externally.
Historical Context of Leadership
Historically, the leadership of the RAE has transitioned from writers to philologists since Damaso Alonso’s tenure ending in 1982. The current director, Santiago Muñoz Machado, took over in 2018, breaking this 40-year trend. While his administration has navigated financial crises, criticisms regarding his background in administrative law and perceived detachment from literary concerns continue to loom large.
Conflicts Beyond Borders
The RAE’s internal strife is compounded by a broader conflict with the Cervantes Institute, which started in late 2025. Accusations aimed at Muñoz Machado label the RAE as excessively bureaucratic, sparking a war of words that questions its role in leading Spanish linguistic policy globally.
Immediate Reactions and Public Backlash
The Financial Disparity
The financial context adds yet another layer of complexity. While the Cervantes Institute operates with a budget of approximately 143 million euros, the RAE struggles with only 11 million. This significant disparity heightens the stakes as both institutions vie for influence over Spanish linguistic policy.
Recurring Cultural Battles
The current crisis is not an isolated event; the RAE has a history laden with controversies. Issues surrounding inclusive language and grammatical reforms have repeatedly put the Academy at odds with progressive viewpoints, often portraying it as a bastion of linguistic conservatism.
Caught in the Crossfire
Paradoxically, while the RAE faces criticism from the left for being too conservative, Pérez-Reverte’s attack plants it at the opposite end of the spectrum, alleging that it is overly permissive. The RAE finds itself ensnared between accusations of obsolescence and succumbing to political correctness.