The constant political squabbles now extended to the judiciary. Opposing initiatives, recognized as positive, simply because they have been presented by opponents. Subordinating common interests, which, purely logically, should be supported by the entire ideological spectrum, to partisan benefits or the lack of consensus on state issues; result in citizen disaffection and rejection of the world of politics.
This disagreement leads to minorities with only 1.6% of the vote from nationalists and separatists conditioning Spanish politics. We are witnessing, with astonishment, the consolidation of two categories of citizens, with different levels of rights: those who live in historical communities (Catalonia, Navarra and the Basque Country) who have more prerogatives and the rest of the Spaniards.
To end this state of affairs, we have an electoral reform pending, but as always, they do not agree. In not very large places, where people know or at least have a reference to the candidates (this is the case of all non-capital islands), the election system should be by open lists.
This tension or polarization, as it is now called, fortunately does not extend to society. Citizens do not embrace these fights. Social interest focuses on the things of eating: prices, employment, economy, housing, health or education. People want more collaboration, less disputes, efficiency and honesty.
We must exercise active, involved and responsible citizenship. We must not make true the saying of my neighbor, a woman with great popular wisdom: "the more they steal, the more they vote for them." We must demand accountability and results from those who are in the institutions. Demand honesty. Isolate the profiteers or criminals. Punish with our vote those who do not comply.
Our society is different from that of a few decades ago. We must open new channels for citizen participation and institutions must promote them. Technology facilitates information and communication. Thus, tools such as websites, multi-videoconferences, forums, chats, online surveys or wikis, open a new double channel for the voice and proposals of the people to be heard. This communication should be permanent. Influencers and youtubers have a good field of work here.
The principles of the 21st century are characterized by technological advancement, a fact that can help close the gap between citizens and institutions. Youth is digitally native, their collaboration and involvement is important. Each one, institutions and voters, must do their part. Citizens should feel involved and even co-protagonists in decision-making.
P.D. This installment concludes a series of three articles, which attempt to reflect different aspects of the current political moment. I. Right, II: Left and III. Citizenship. If you want to retrieve them, you can click on the author's name.