Asymptomatic Politician and a Civic Reflection on Democratic Thought
In a candid self-description, Manuel Alcaraz Fuentes, a professor of Constitutional Law and former Minister of Transparency at the University of Alicante, describes a paradoxical image: an asymptomatic politician. This characterization accompanies a discussion that frames his latest work as a project built from a long line of articles published over the past three years. These pieces, particularly those written during the pandemic era, have been a critical thread in his broader argument: doubt is essential to a healthy democracy. The gathering, held this Monday afternoon at the INFORMATION Club, featured voices from the university and the publishing world, including UA’s rector and other key figures connected to the publisher Tirant lo Blanch.
The book, a product of the author’s articles and reflections, was presented alongside congratulatory remarks that highlighted how the author reshaped scattered notes into a cohesive meditation on political theory, crisis imagination, and contemporary governance. The author himself suggested that the project stands as a form of civic inquiry rather than a fortune-telling forecast, aiming to illuminate the crisis of theory and its impact on public discourse. He stressed that beyond truth lies not falsehood but the risk of trivializing significant issues, and he drew on the words of historical statesmen to underscore that eloquence in politics matters as much as policy itself.
Prudence emerged as a central virtue in the discussion, with the author arguing that patient deliberation is the only path to wise decision-making. He reiterated that prudence requires time for thought, reflection, and deliberate pace—an approach that resists hasty conclusions and seeks to ground political action in careful reasoning.
The event also served as a platform for the broader institutional audience to weigh in on the work’s aims and origins. Francisco Esquivel, Natxo Bellido, Sonia Tirado, Josefina Bueno, Tomás Mayoral, Rafael Simón, Luis Boyer, Manuel Alcaraz Fuentes, and Olga Fuentes were among those noted as present during the book’s launch at the INFORMATION Club. Their attendance underscored the collaboration between scholars, editors, and policymakers in shaping a public conversation about constitutional ideas and democratic values. The occasion highlighted how the book grew from published articles and how the publishing house Tirant lo Blanch, a longtime ally in legal scholarship, facilitated its dissemination.
Rector of the University of Alicante had previously spoken in support of the work, pointing to three aspects of its presentation: the author’s scholarly credentials, the content’s rigor, and its inclusivity. The rector highlighted Alcaraz’s leadership in past initiatives such as the Democracy Archive and the Citizens’ Initiatives Platform, emphasizing the author’s long-standing engagement with citizen participation and democratic culture. The publisher’s connection to the university, and the broader legal discourse, further reinforced the work’s standing within the field. The reception praised the prose as shrewd, honest, and elegantly composed, reflecting the author’s ability to translate complex constitutional ideas into accessible civic conversation.
The event also drew attention to the broader landscape of political literature. Juan R. Gil commented on the rising volume of political and analytical books, noting that Alcaraz’s work stands apart for its clear stance: a book against intellectual laziness rather than against any particular individual or party. The perspective offered a refreshing contrast to other contemporary works, underscoring a commitment to clarity and intellectual integrity in public discourse.
Aitana Mas, vice president of the Consell, praised Alcaraz for his capacity to bring grounded, practical insight to public discussion. Her remarks highlighted the importance of word, agreement, and negotiation in governance, and she stressed the need to avoid noise as a pillar of political trust and democratic quality. The overall message conveyed the value of patient, deliberate engagement in political life and the vital role of thoughtful critique in maintaining healthy civic institutions.