Spain's New Left Turn: Society Driven or Party Instigated?

Abstract

This essay explains the rise of ‘new-leftist’ policies in Spain as part of Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero's ‘second transition’, including gay marriage, gender parity, and reparation for the victims of the Spanish civil war. Setting aside society-centred explanations, such as the advent of post-material values and the strength of civil society, this essay relies upon a party-centric explanation. It emphasises a process of self-renovation within the Spanish Socialist Party triggered by a deep party crisis and intended to rebrand socialism and incorporate new constituencies. This approach highlights the overlooked role of parties in charting their own political course.

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