A Party With Two Faces: The Legacy of Felipe González
The Spanish Socialist Workers Party (PSOE) has had a complex historical journey, with brilliant moments but also with episodes of controversy. The era of Felipe González is presented as a high point, where the party established itself as a fundamental pillar in the Spanish Transition. This period was marked by important advances in the construction of a welfare state and the integration of Spain into the European Union.
External Influence: Key to the Triumph of the PSOE
The rise of the PSOE during the González years cannot be analyzed without considering the vital support of German social democracy. This ally transformed a group of militants into a viable alternative to the Spanish government, while preventing the Spanish Communist Party from gaining ground. Germany’s intervention was decisive, a reflection of the fear of communism in Western countries during the Cold War.
The European Context and the Anti-Communist Struggle
The priority of German social democracy was clear: to keep communist parties out of power. This strategy resulted in a tense relationship with the Spanish Communist Party, which the PSOE never considered a potential ally, largely due to its legacy during the Second Republic.
The Second Republic: An Ambiguous Chapter
The PSOE was a key player in the establishment of the Second Republic, but its support was not universal. Municipal elections showed a republican victory in key cities, but not in the country as a whole, reflecting a division that soon intensified. The Constitution promoted by the Socialists and Azaña sought to reconcile with lost sectors, but polarization increased.
Polarization and Violence: A Dangerous Road
Largo Caballero’s leadership marked a shift towards a more radical approach, prioritizing the seizure of power by forceful means. This was evident in the 1934 insurrection, which resulted in extreme violence, especially in Asturias, contributing to a climate of instability that undermined the foundations of the Republic.
A PSOE in Exile: Adaptation and Evolution
After the war, the PSOE moderated its positions, but the legacy of the republic and its anti-communist stance made it difficult for it to reintegrate into Spanish politics. It was only under the leadership of Felipe González that the party was able to make an effective transition, but this leadership model now seems to have disappeared.
The New Generation and the Loss of Tradition
With figures like González and Guerra out of the political scene, the PSOE has changed course. Current leaders, like Pedro Sánchez, have adopted a confrontational policy that moves away from the reformist practices that characterized the transition. Alliances with pro-independence parties and the handling of institutions have generated a sense of precariousness in Spanish democracy.
A Problematic Current Reality
The PSOE today finds itself in a difficult position, where its obsession with staying in power has eroded the balances between the different powers of the State. This instrumentalization of institutions, combined with a lack of internal competition, has distanced the party from its democratic roots. If European tolerance were to change, the PSOE could face a crisis similar to that experienced by other European governments.
The Future of the PSOE and Spanish Democracy
With a European panorama that challenges its continuity, the PSOE must face a worrying reality. Its ability to adapt to modern democratic demands and maintain political stability will be crucial for its future and that of democracy in Spain.