The Spanish lawyer Miriam González Durántez has launched a new liberal, centrist party, Democracia21, ahead of the upcoming snap general election on November 29. González Durántez, who is married to former British deputy prime minister Nick Clegg, aims to provide voters with an alternative to the dominant socialist and conservative parties in Spain.
A Call for Political Change
González Durántez's party promises a modern and transparent approach to politics, stating it "doesn’t feed on fear, insults or nostalgia." The party's manifesto criticizes both the ruling Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party (PSOE) and the People’s Party (PP) for prioritizing short-term political gains over long-term governance.
“"In the meantime: housing became unaffordable, young people left, bureaucracy grew like a religion, and bickering took the place of governing," the manifesto reads.
Addressing Key Issues
With the backdrop of recent corruption scandals that have plagued the PP and allegations against the administration of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, Democracia21 is advocating for a "radical political cleanup" and increased transparency for political parties. González Durántez has positioned her party on critical issues such as the housing crisis and immigration.
The eviction of an 87-year-old woman in Madrid last month sparked widespread protests and led to emergency measures proposed by Sánchez's government to address the rental market's inequities. However, these measures were rejected by rightwing and far-right parties, prompting the prime minister to call for a snap election.
