Regional elections in Spain
by Ben Curtis
Yesterday was regional elections day here in Spain. The general opinion is that it was a bit of a draw between the big guys, the PP and the ruling PSOE. As I have far more fun analyzing wild Spanish Fiestas and Tapas, I thought I should leave it up to other eminent Spain bloggers to let you know exactly what went down.
Matthew at The Big Chorizo summarises reactions from the press, and concludes that:
“nobody really won; it was about as close to a draw as you can get in politics”
Nicholas Mead suggests that Zapatero’s PSOE may not have done themselves any favours in recent years:
“… many have probably been moved by moral indignation at Prime Minister Jose Zapatero’s initiatives to legalise gay marriage, grant more autonomy to the various regions and re-compensate those that were wronged during the civil war.”
Amy makes an interesting point at Show me… Spain:
One thing that did impress me was that the voter turnout was around 64%! And that was down 4% from the last elections. I think the 2004 presidential elections in the US saw about 40% turnout. Pretty shameful in comparison. A lot of Spanish people complain that the parties are all the same and nothing ever changes. The same complaints that you hear in the US. But at least the Spanish people still get out and vote.
Colin Davies gives us a run through of the actual voting process (5 people to check your identity and receive your voting slip!)
My voting experience yesterday was like the vast majority of personal interactions in Spain – very enjoyable, involving much smiling and even a bit of a chat [….] In short, people and paper intensive but quick and pleasant.
Thanks guys!
Due to my usual political apathy I didn’t vote - I never did the paperwork, returned the relevant letter, or whatever it was I was supposed to do. I regret this now, and see that I should be taking a greater interest in the inner workings of the place I call home. I shall make sure I exercise my right help choose who’s in charge of Madrid next time round.
Posted: May 28th, 2007 under Spanish Culture and News.
Comments: 7
Comments
Comment from Pepino (Dave Hall)
Time: May 28, 2007, 9:53 pm
I’m surprised you didn’t vote, Ben. :-0 I remember hearing you complaining quite some time ago in a podcast about Esperanza Aguirre and her attempts to cause real problems for party-political gain only over in Madrid, so I was sure that you’d have been down to the Ayuntamiento filling in forms etc the very next day, so you’d be poised ready to give her a kicking come the elections. Did she win in Madrid by the way? (If so, I hope it wasn’t by a margin of 1 vote! jeje)
Comment from ValenciaSon
Time: May 29, 2007, 1:57 am
I think turnout will be much higher for the 2008 US presidential elections. For one, this nation is definitely fed up with the status quo and we are long overdue for a change!
Comment from Ben
Time: May 29, 2007, 8:05 am
Dave - she won - by a lot. If not all my fault, then certainly the fault of many uselss non-voters like me!
Comment from Pepino (Dave Hall)
Time: May 29, 2007, 9:17 am
Shame. I think it was the billboard posters of her in her hardhat, looking like “one of the lads” on a building site, that did it. A bit like when Maggie was pictured driving a tank after the Falklands War and went on to win by a huge margin! jeje
The PSOE candiate Jordi Hereu won here in Barcelona (he was already the current Alcalde before Sunday). I don’t know if you’ve seen a picture of him, but in his official campaign poster (conveniently dangling in the street outside my flat) he looks the spitting image of a young Liberace!!! No joke! jeje
Comment from Amy
Time: May 29, 2007, 12:02 pm
I hope you are right ValenciaSon! I thought people were pretty fed up in 2004, too, but I guess these 4 years will just compound that feeling. I’ll definitely be sending in my absentee ballot!
I remember 4 or so years ago when I was living here in Madrid and went to vote with my boyfriend (now husband). I was surprised that I was allowed to accompany him through the whole process. No one even asked me what I was doing.
Comment from greytop
Time: June 5, 2007, 3:40 pm
Just in case you think your one vote would not make a difference: In a village near here there were an equal number of votes (109 I think) for two parties. The new mayor & ruling party has been picked by tossing a 20 centimo coin! For the record the PP won.
Even where I live the party with most councillors failed to get an overall majority by less than 30 votes so will be kept in opposition by a coalition of all the rest.
Come on - you’ve got 4 years to get ready for the next one!!
Comment from Ben
Time: June 5, 2007, 5:31 pm
Wow, well you are right, I really must sort it out for the next one! Amazing results…
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