The left, unions and housing
MadridThis time we had a more representative May Day compared to some of the preceding years. In the events called by the unions, the sensitive chord was struck hard, in mobilizations that respond to a certain political and social situation and that contain a clear message. The main celebration took place in Malaga for various reasons, starting with the fact that Andalusia votes on May 17th. The call has allowed us to see an image of a certain unity of the left that we already know does not exist in political terms. However, it has become clear that there are indeed essential points of coincidence, susceptible of becoming driving ideas for future initiatives, especially as the general elections approach. That Maria Jesus Montero and Yolanda Diaz coincided in the Malaga demonstration does not reduce their differences, but it does reflect a common denominator on key issues.
It has been said that another reason for choosing Malaga is the evolution of the housing problem in this city and its surroundings. This factor has surely influenced it. But one does not have to scratch too much to realize that, while the left may agree in lamenting this situation, it, on the other hand, deeply disagrees on how to find and define possible remedies effectively. The PSOE and most of the formations that have helped it more or less during this legislature wanted to appear alongside the unions at the main event of the day, and this joint appearance is the main issue for the upcoming elections.
What interests these organizations the most is not to lose spheres of power and influence. Thus, the Malaga event can be interpreted as a reaction to the movement initiated by the center-right of the political map, with the pacts between the PP and Vox to govern in Extremadura and Aragon, and with the ongoing negotiation in Castilla y León. The speeches given throughout Spain by the union representatives consisted of a general warning to the population about the setback that the beginning of a new political cycle of the same sign in the whole of Spain could mean, in social matters. Alongside this, both Pepe Álvarez (UGT) and Unai Sordo (CCOO) claimed an improvement in wages to face the rise in prices.
Aware that pacts with Vox would receive a response from the left, the PP is striving to present a counteroffensive based on an alternative reading of the social and labor situation in the country. It is worth paying close attention to their arguments, because they have been part of their discourse since the last congress of the popular party and will be very present in the coming months of a long pre-election campaign. Feijóo, this May Day, has disseminated messages that clearly aim to reach an electorate that is less ideological and very concerned about their pockets. A manifesto promoted by the PP states that "in Spain, working and making an effort must be worthwhile again." And the popular leader himself, on his social networks, has said that "working must serve to live, not just to pay." It is obvious that fiscal policy and taxes will be very present in the pre-election debate in the coming months, whatever happens in Andalusia on May 17. Trade unions must also be very attentive to this front. Many times they have been accused of basically looking after those who have jobs as employees, and less so for the rest – for example, for the self-employed – and here there is also a large bloc of votes at stake.
In any case, the essential debate on these chapters must take place in Parliament, as much or more than in the street, and between employers and trade unions. And we can already see with how many difficulties and predominance of tactical maneuvering the discussion – and parliamentary votes – on the matters of this chapter takes place. The government's division regarding the housing problem, for example, is bad business for the left in general. This confrontation has gone too far and has given space to the proposal of other dissents. With Junts there is a problem that has been entrenched for some time, due to the lack of full effectiveness of the amnesty law. But this situation is not the government's responsibility. On the other hand, I find it difficult to accept the idea that the expression "the three right-wing parties" – used to refer to the coincidence of votes from PP, Vox, and Junts – is an accurate description of reality. It is like when Podemos accuses Junts members of being racist for their claims of powers over immigration.
Too much distance
In any case, the government must make an effort to bring positions closer to Junts, in general terms and very specifically on economic and housing matters, the control of rental prices and possible tax compensation for owners. Realism is always more useful than populist pronouncements. We will not be able to solve the housing problem if it is framed as a battle between exploiters and exploited. Junts must understand, in parallel, that it will not benefit from moving to the right either. Just as the PP will not gain much by identifying with Vox's discourse – for example, by disregarding the high probability of unconstitutionality of the "national priority" rule in accessing social services –, it is also not advisable for Junts to position itself in a way that could alter the perception of its underlying positions, whether on economic issues or on immigrants' rights.
A final word on the role of Parliament in this scenario. It must be reclaimed as the stage and filter for all debates. I say this because of the response that the Minister of Economy, Carlos Cuerpo, gave to the spokesperson for the PP, Ester Muñoz, in the last control session in Congress. He essentially told her not to waste too much time with him, because he is focused on managing his department and not on issues of corruption, trials, and other things of that nature. Everything must be discussed, especially if explanations are to be given, that is obvious. But the PP must find the right path, and not waste ammunition. Tactics like Vito Quiles's pursuit of Begoña Gómez, Pedro Sánchez's wife, through the streets are not what a democratic and liberal right-wing party should defend.
