Desire is an insidious feeling that romanticizes the past as a self-defense system when the present proves unfriendly terrain.The world has destined Sunday’s front page to stimulate post-sanchoism in the PSOE, at the hands of the usual suspects Page, Lambán and others. And they wrote this subtitle: “They want to make an alternative visible: “The idea that the classic PSOE will not return cannot remain silent.” I hope the reader will allow me the telegraphic style to try to condense in a few lines the things that come to mind when I listen to “PSOE classic”,Vera,Barrionuevo and Mr street. The brothers of Alfonso Guerra. Felipe González‘s promise of 800,000 jobs has not been kept. The Loapa Corcuera approves that the police can enter homes by breaking down the door without judicial authorization pawns of Andalusia as a method of keeping the vote captive. The case of the EROs. The Mercury case. The mockery of the NATO referendum and “no entry”. Baltasar Garzon.
The list could go on for quite a while, but you get the idea. And,of course,that Him World now it lends itself to this nostalgia for Felipism when its reason for existing was to become a whip of that regime which had the best-selling newspaper very close by (The country),the most listened to radio (SER) and the only paid and prestigious television,kindly granted (Canal+),the truth is that it is indeed very moving; whether its founding director,Pedrojota Ramírez,was also the victim of a sexual montage to try to oust him,presumably financing him wiht the sewers of the “classic” PSOE,as suggested by the victim… We have already seen that memory is a traitor. Or maybe the principles are.
What are the main achievements and failures of Felipe González’s leadership that shape the current nostalgia for the PSOE?
Interview with Political Analyst Dr. Laura Mendez on the Evolution of PSOE and the Nostalgia surrounding Felipism
Time.news Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Mendez. The recent discourse surrounding the PSOE (Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party) seems to be laced with a sense of nostalgia for its past, especially the era of Felipism. What do you think fuels this romanticism of the classic PSOE?
Dr. Laura Mendez: Thank you for having me. The romanticization of the past, particularly in political contexts, often serves as a coping mechanism for disillusionment in the present. In the case of the PSOE, as recent developments have shown, many members are now looking back to what they term as “PSOE classic” because of a perceived failure to achieve key promises, such as Felipe González’s pledge of creating 800,000 jobs. When contemporary policies come under scrutiny or fail to meet public expectations, there’s a tendency to idealize those earlier days.
Time.news Editor: You mention the desire for a return to “PSOE classic.” What does this imply for the party’s future strategy?
Dr. Laura Mendez: The push for a visible choice within the PSOE suggests a desire to reconnect with foundational values that resonated with their voter base. However, this poses a dilemma: while nostalgia can reinvigorate support among old constituents, it may alienate younger voters who are looking for innovation and contemporary solutions. The party will have to balance this nostalgic sentiment with a forward-thinking platform that addresses current issues.
Time.news Editor: One of the key figures associated with this nostalgic sentiment is former Prime Minister Felipe González.What pitfalls should the PSOE avoid as they navigate this complex ancient landscape?
Dr. Laura Mendez: A meaningful pitfall would be blind adherence to past policies without critical evaluation. As a notable example, Petras Corcuera’s controversial legal measures allowed police to enter homes without judicial consent, sparking public discontent. this is not merely about nostalgia but understanding the socio-political context of the time. If the PSOE clings rigidly to past ideologies without addressing the current political landscape, it risks further disillusionment from voters who demand accountability and progressive change.
Time.news Editor: In your view, how do current issues like the ERE case and the NATO referendum mockery play into this nostalgia?
Dr. Laura Mendez: These issues are crucial to understanding why the past is frequently enough glorified.The ERE scandal and NATO referendum missteps symbolize the complexity of the party’s history. Win or lose, the PSOE’s historical actions remain etched in public memory, and thus are utilized as a measuring stick for current leadership. When past mistakes are juxtaposed with the failures of the present, a longing for the ‘better days’ of González’s time may intensify, whether that feeling is justified or not.
Time.news Editor: What practical advice would you offer to the PSOE as it seeks to redefine itself amidst these nostalgic impulses?
Dr. Laura Mendez: My advice would be to embrace a dual approach: acknowledge past successes and failures without over-romanticizing them. They should encourage dialog within the party to build a narrative that honors their history but does not become shackled by it. Implementing policies that resonate with contemporary concerns, alongside a clear vision of the future, will be critical. Genuine communication with constituents and transparency could bridge the gap between nostalgia and the need for evolution.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Mendez. Your insights into the interplay of nostalgia and contemporary political strategy within the PSOE shed light on the complexities the party faces today.
Dr. Laura Mendez: Thank you for having me. Understanding these dynamics is essential not just for the PSOE, but for any political party navigating their historical baggage while striving to stay relevant in rapidly changing times.