how was it policy since 1978, when he campaigned for PCE elections, which is number one for Sumar, who has been a party to the Senate so far?
Everything has changed a lot. There have been many incidents and numerous mobilizations in towns. A major issue is that many citizens still have difficulty engaging in democratic procedures. It was known that ETA would target campaigns. Today the tension created by social networks is intense. Leaders often struggle to think calmly as politics becomes highly professionalized. Some leaders only echo what press officers tell them. Counselors are valuable, but the essential task is to grasp a political line and present it with clear humor and irony as needed.
How does Manuel Alcaraz fit into such a campaign?
The party reached out, suggesting Compromís as a path. He accepted, convinced that stronger candidates would emerge and that in such a complex era one must continue showing up for moral reasons. The question then becomes how he faces the situation.
Why Senate?
The campaign suggested the Senate, acknowledging that candidates were pursuing congressional primaries. The party views the primaries as a democratic simulation, and Alcaraz had previously stood as a Senate candidate years earlier.
The Senate has long been described as an elephant burial ground. Should one touch it respectfully?
He has written that the Senate serves as the rest home of democracy.
And is it incompatible with appearing on these lists?
Because of age, he has earned the right to be considered for the Senate. He encourages voters to judge him by age and to vote, noting that older generations were present long before the Senate building stood.
What should be done with the Senate in any case?
Article 69 describes the Senate as the chamber of regional representation, though that has not been confirmed in practice. It has become a second reading chamber with its own shape and functions. The key issue is not reforming the Senate itself but clarifying the powers between autonomous communities and the central government. Some argue that a federal Spain would mean more separation and others that it would do the opposite. The Senate should act as a centripetal force in this federal framework. The challenge is that Spain lacks an institution representing communities to prevent centrifugal movements. Those who discuss Spain and the Constitution from dawn to dusk would likely advocate reform, given the changes since the internet and EU membership. Autonomous State and Senate are central themes.
And is this possible today?
At present, real reform seems nearly impossible. Some simpler changes are on the table, such as honoring people with disabilities or ending male domination in certain areas. Environmental rights, the right to housing, and a broadened set of core values should gain prominence. The nation emphasizes freedom, equality, justice, and pluralism, with equality between men and women, environmental sustainability, and hospitality highlighted as key values. It is a moment of considerable complexity, but the question is when rather than whether the Constitution should be changed. When it was created, the internet did not exist and Spain was not yet part of the European Union.
How can Sumar contribute to this scenario?
Sumar, together with Botànic’s experiences, brings a determination to build unity from the start, focusing on process as much as on outcome. It is about dialogue and reaching common ground. The current legislature marked a period of agreement among multiple forces, and in Europe most states govern through coalitions. The tension seen today is not solely driven by politicians and parties; society contains groups who feel left behind by globalization and who seek to defend their identities. This sometimes fuels contradictions that become visible in politics.
If a projection for 23J were to be offered, what would it be?
When one party gains momentum, participation should remain steadfast. The comparison with sports highlights the seriousness of politics: it demands enthusiasm tempered by realism. A notable worry is that Vox could gain influence if it enters institutions, challenging the status quo. The main party cannot hide behind votes and claims. Vox resembles a drop of paint that colors the whole bottle, so caution is advised about misreading its impact.
What part of the responsibility falls on the left?
The left has room to recover from earlier missteps. Some proposals were overstated, risking backlash. The core lesson is the value of common sense, a trait praised since ancient times. The current era shows strong polarization, aggravated by a single public task that dominates debate. The traditional conservative party in Spain faced pressure to align with broader currents, and past compromises or episodes of corruption complicated those choices.
Could Sumar set a precedent for future elections or regional ones?
No one stated it plainly, but there is a sense that the approach could persist if conditions improve. Technical compliance would still be necessary, but it could be achieved.
Does the speaker consider himself a regional senator?
He does not see himself as a regional senator; he views himself as an elected senator.