Pedro Sánchez, the Spanish prime minister, has defended the country’s Eurovision entry after calls by feminists for it to be kept off the television because of its “anti-women” lyrics.

The song Zorra – literally meaning vixen but commonly used to mean “slut” or “bitch” – involves a mature woman celebrating her freedom by calling herself “a total slut”.

The choice of the song by husband-and-wife duo María Bas and Mark Dasousa, together known as Nebulossa, is meant as a commentary on misogyny in society, highlighting the double standards that women face.

But it has divided feminists with some claiming the word “zorra” is a sexist insult against women while others say it is a reclaiming of language from the patriarchy.

Mr Sánchez defended the Eurovision song – which has become an instant success in Spain, played millions of times on YouTube – as a necessary provocation that challenged sexist stereotyping.

“Feminism is not only fair, it can be fun. Culture is there to provide this type of provocation,” he told the Al Rojo Vivo programme on La Sexta television.

He also said criticism of the song was coming from the Right-wing “fachosphere” and suggested critics would be sympathetic to the Spanish falangist movement, which backed the late General Franco.

The song “insults women in a sexist way”, said the Feminist Movement of Madrid in a statement, adding that it was absurd to argue that simply repeating the word zorra could empower women.

According to another feminist movement, the Alliance Against the Erasure of Women, the word is typically used by abusive men when they attack women.

The association said the song “disseminated content that encourages and reinforces deeply sexist messages and stereotypes”, claiming that Spain’s public broadcaster RTVE was in breach of its commitment combating gender violence by airing the song.

Translated to English, Zorra’s lyrics read: “If I go out alone, I’m the slut / If I’m having fun, I’m the sluttiest / When I get what I want - B---h, b---h / It’s never because I deserve it.”

The song has already become a viral success in Spain and has been embraced by its fans as a reply to misogyny and the double standards faced by women who pursue happiness and freedom.

“This is a song that breaks moulds and stereotypes and has been met with massive approval, therefore there is nothing to say, it is going to represent us and I wish it all the success it can have,” said Ana Redondo Garcia, the equality minister in Mr Sánchez’s Left-wing government.