What would a person who suddenly woke up after being asleep for the last forty years think of our country and its citizens? After a while of watching the news on TV and reading headlines in the press, they would very likely believe that Spain has become one of the worst and most conflictive countries in the world, but nothing could be further from the truth.
This person would have to be explained that the two supposed Spains that they have believed to detect refer to the exaggerated representation of a reality, rather than the reality itself. They would soon realize that our country is still, in essence, a state full of particularities and, therefore, diverse, although very prone to drama.
To give an example, the recent approval of the Euthanasia Law by the Pedro Sánchez Government has provoked exactly the same debate that occurred with other similar measures adopted by progressive governments since the democratic transition. That is, the right first opposes it and takes it to the realm of morality, but, over the years, ends up adopting those rights. The same happened with divorce, abortion or marriage between people of the same sex.
Without being an expert in politics, our newly awakened sleeper would quickly grasp that the left governs and that the right is in the opposition, and that this explains almost everything, especially the catastrophic representation that the latter makes of a reality that does not correspond to what citizens experience in their daily routines. I am convinced that the vast majority do not want to live in permanent political excitement, but to have a decent job, enjoy their loved ones and live well and in peace.
The true reality is that we reside in a democratic, fraternal and generous country, with an enviable climate and landscapes, and possessing an immense cultural wealth that ranges from historical heritage to fun festive celebrations, passing through an unsurpassed gastronomy. We live in a supportive and open, sociable and safe country, which rests on solid family ties and with a long life expectancy, among other reasons thanks to the fact that we have a universal and free healthcare system managed by top professionals.
Our language is among the most spoken on the planet, male chauvinist violence is among the lowest in Europe, and the same happens with murders and the suicide rate. So Spain is not what is poured daily on Twitter or other social networks, not by a long shot. Our country is a great country. Our country worships friendship and is hardworking, cheerful and optimistic, and with all that clean and non-polluting energy we are going to overcome the hard trance we are in.
Ariagona González, National Deputy of the PSOE and Minister of Industry and Energy of the Cabildo de Lanzarote.
