It Rains in Spain
Tapas and wine in London’s Iberica restaurant last night with a group of young thrusting Spanish professionals who are living and working in London. We contrast and compare UK and Spanish politics- a welcome respite from the domestic campaign trail.
“The common problem with both countries is the disconnect the suffering masses have with the discredited political class”, kicked off one attendee.
Subsequent discussion showed the majority of those present –myself among them-genuinely impressed by the capacity of UK political parties to renew themselves, and the ‘democracy at work’ aspects of parliamentary candidates knocking at people’s doors and having to argue rather than bribe their way to their vote.
By contrast it was argued that Spanish politics had become endemically corrupt , with most local authorities around the country under judicial investigation, and government and opposition unable to throw up a leader dynamic or competent enough to pull the country out of its deepening economic crisis, not least dealing with the bankrupt savings banks in which politicians have vested interests. There was a sad lack of new thinking and necessary renewal.
Among those present, several said that they worked in the UK because their talents and aspirations were not recognised in Spain.
Meanwhile an email reaches me from Madrid this morning from an expatriate Brit .
“Fascinated by the UK polls but would be very cautious about revamping the electoral architecture with PR. I realise that the rules will have to change if the First Past The Post system allows Labour to gain more seats although it polls third nationally. That won’t wash. But do people really want lots of minority parties in the Commons and endless horse-trading by apparatchick politicians to create lowest common denominator coalition governments that will be incapable of taking tough decisions and delivering inspiring leadership? The two party system allows alternating governments and policies, or should do. PR is more likely to perpetuate the same people in power — and increasingly out of touch with the voter — and tends towards consensual politics that eliminate choice. “
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