The “new” Spanish political party “Podemos”

If you are a little aware of Spanish politics you have probably heard of a new party led by Pablo Iglesias and arising from the movement of the 15M “indignados” (outraged). But perhaps you don’t know exactly what their political agenda is or what there is really behind their proposals. From ShBarcelona we suggest you to learn about “Podemos“, because to live in a country means undestanding its politics, and this party is a part of it as it’s said that it represents a huge part of the Spnaish population that, so far, wasn’t represented by any political party.

“Podemos” is a Spanish political party founded in January of this year and now is led by Pablo Iglesias Turrión, a political analyst and former professor of political science. In a short time it has become the third party in the Spanish parliament, achieving 100,000 members in 20 days, and this must be taken into account when we talk about Spanish politics. This party originated as a result of the manifesto “Make a move: convert indignation into political change”, signed by thirty intellectuals, cultural personalities, journalists and Spanish social and political activists. In this “manifesto” they ask for the need to write a political proposal for the European elections to oppose the economic policies of the European Union against the economic crisis. In elections Podemos obtained 7.98% of the votes, getting five seats. This indicated that the citizen support was wide and Iglesias convened a citizens’ assembly for the party members to vote the party policies.

“Podemos” have been defined by some international and national media as a extreme left-wing that have asked for equality of opportunity and wealth distribution as a means of tackling social inequalities arising from capitalism and the financial crisis. Others say the fact that they prioritize equality above liberty, could lead to a closed dictatorial anti-European regime. If we look at the facts objectively, the capitalist system has brought us to such a deep economic crisis that any proposal that is opposed to this model must be given a chance, right? Many still think that Podemos is dangerous, but at least is a different proposal, and that’s is Spain would need in times like that.

What is the “Podemos” program?

It can be summarized in the establishment of a basic income, reducing the working hours to 35 hours per week and the retirement age at 60 years, they also ask for the right to decide and the binding referendums, abolishing the constitutional article on budgetary stability, a more progressive tax reform and nationalize strategic Spanish companies, to derogate the labor reform and repeal the health copayment. They support abortion, the suspension of evictions, equalize paternity and maternity leave, delete the privileges of the church and the closure of nuclear power stations.

In short, despite the attacks this party receives for the great reform that would involve the implementation of its program, is one of the few alternative proposals to the existing system, which reflects the dissatisfaction of much of the population that doesn’t feel represented by any party in the Spanish parliament.