The last social democrat

In a time of widespread capitulation by the European left—they don't know, they don't answer—and the continent's resounding acceleration toward the far right, Pedro Sánchez seems determined to be the last social democrat. For some time now, he has been practically the only European voice made heard in the face of Donald Trump's onslaught and provocations. And now, just as the right-wing parties here—the PP and Junts—have rejected in the Catalan Parliament the decree that includes the increase in pensions, the president of the Spanish government proposes the extraordinary regulation of all undocumented immigrants who have been in Spain for five months, provided they can prove their status, granting them a residence permit. It seems that there are currently 840,000 immigrants in an irregular situation. And it is perfectly normal in a democratic system to resolve their situation: not only for ethical and humanitarian reasons, which would be sufficient if we weren't all so trapped by our own culture and that of others, but also for basic economic and social integration reasons.

This is not the first time a regulation of this magnitude has been implemented. Felipe González did so in 1986, and later José María Aznar and José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero did as well (nine times in total). These precedents have not prevented Feijóo's indignant reaction, always unwavering. It is true that Sánchez's decision comes at a time when the growing ideological hegemony of the far right is weighing heavily in Europe, overflowing the traditional right wing, as we see in France and Italy, to target those closest to home. Why is Pedro Sánchez taking this step? There are, undoubtedly, objective reasons, and it's good news: the measure will legally stabilize the jobs of hundreds of thousands of people essential to the country's economic activity, both in production and services. But it surely also has to do with the strategic calculations of Pedro Sánchez, who is nearing the end of his term. Starting with the petty politics: this move will unsettle the People's Party (PP), because right now Vox, on the rise, is best positioned to attract the indignant, those who perceive Sánchez's maneuver as an affront to the nation and other such outrages. What will the PP do? Will it escalate its rhetoric to compete with Abascal, who could attract some of its electorate, or will it opt ​​for moderation?

In any case, Pedro Sánchez's strategy seems clear—and in fact, it's not new; that would be a step further. Under normal circumstances, I mean with a more polished right wing, the president's expectations would be very limited. But with a figure like Feijóo ahead of him, whose only defining characteristic is being a perpetually angry grouch cornered by Abascal, it's understandable that Sánchez might still believe in a comeback. And so he chooses to refine his image, to revive proposals and messages—not much more, because economic policies are very clearly defined—that evoke the distinctive features of social democracy, a movement currently in decline but with signs that suggest it could, given the way Europe is going and the evident capitulation of the right wing, both to the extreme right and to Trump, make a comeback. Be that as it may, Sánchez is putting the issue of immigration squarely on the table. In other words, he embraces the defense of a poorly protected sector, condemned to insecurity and stigmatization, a sector key to the relaunch of a country that is often somewhat complacent, and which the right wing prefers to keep precarious and always under the threat of expulsion.

In any case, Pedro Sánchez's insistence on reviving an ideological model that seemed to be in retreat surely has a point of intuition. Who can create an alternative if the liberal right continues to capitulate and surrender to increasingly stark authoritarian forms, which Trump's excesses are highlighting? Sánchez's current performance may be what now seems like a fantasy: the opportunity to turn the situation around, but also an alternative path to some European post or simply to continue fighting if the PP ends up governing under Vox's tutelage. In any case, and regarding the latest decision: normalizing immigration is a matter of basic democratic culture: recognizing and dignifying the condition of all people. And the sad thing is that it seems strange and is met with resistance from the right wing and its ilk, who use immigration to instill fear. A pathetic notion of authority.