For the last couple of years, the “Left” seemed to be beyond hope.
Internal fragmentation, identity crises and challenges in connecting with its traditional voters (working- and middle class) seemed to have led to long-term (maybe even irreversible) decline, in cases a free fall.
The challenges might have started with the collapse of the Soviet Union – but the trend took a turn for the worse after identity politics started to dominate the field instead of the “traditional” topics of the Left.
All over Europe, voters abandoned centre-left parties for a wide variety of reasons – not in the least because those parties failed to address the affordability crisis and to pursue centrist policies. Policies that were at the core of Leftist politics for decades. The areas where parties were able to build far-reaching social coalitions and wide bases.
The counterbalance – voters drawn in by the same progressive politics that alienated the traditional blue-collar base – was nowhere near enough. And it comes from a very different societal background than the “original” voters of the Left, further driving the internal fragmentation.
Disillusioned voters have quickly turned to the other side – the right wing, even the far right. It was those parties which embraced these crucial topics, especially in areas affected by economic stagnation or immigration pressures. With that, they replaced the Left – that seems to be completely lacking a distinct political trajectory to tackle the voters’ primary concerns.
From here, revival seemed to be impossible.
Yet, there are a few parties which beat the odds. Amongst the most notable is Spain’s Socialist Party, the PSOE.
Burdened with corruption issues surrounding Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and his innermost circles and allegations of sexual harassment on every level of its organization but still standing, in spite of the odds.
One of the secrets of its survival is the ability to enact reforms – some are progressive (like the steps taken to enhance animal welfare or spending 40 percent of Spain’s COVID-19 rescue funds on climate-related investments), but others are at the beating heart of leftist policies. Sánchez raised the minimum wage, lowered taxes for the poor and raised takes of the rich, strengthened employees’ rights and, most importantly, addressed housing issues.
The phenomenon is not unique to Spain – the Left has a standing chance only in countries where it pushes identity politics to the sidelines and embraces the most pressing issues of voters, especially young voters and gives credible answers to those problems.
First and foremost, habitation, cost of living and social justice. Across Europe, a growing number of employed young people cannot afford to rent a decent place, let alone to own a home. Including in economic strongholds like Germany or the Netherlands.
As the rise of nationalist and far-right parties proves – voters will turn to parties who deliver solutions. This is not only affecting the Left- parties on the centre and on the right might fall into oblivion as well if they ignore what voters want.
The tide is not changing yet for the left (though Germany’s Die Linke or Austria’s KPÖ achieved fair success recently), but the possibility is in the air.
Voters respond positively to political messages and practical solutions on housing, wages, and social security – more than to messages loaded with ideology. The winners of future elections might be the parties who understand this trend.
