The rise of right-wing politics in cities like Berlin and the potential loss of progressive influence in Spanish cities are raising concerns among progressives. Historically, cities have been seen as progressive havens where diverse cultures thrive, and marginalized communities find refuge. However, the recent loss of Madrid to conservative forces and the upcoming local elections in Spain have intensified fears about the future of progressive city governance.
While the overall political landscape in Europe's 50 most populous cities still shows a more substantial presence of progressive forces compared to the radical right, there are exceptions to this trend. Some cities, like Helsinki and Athens, have traditionally leaned towards right-wing politics. Madrid and Antwerp, for example, have right-wing mayors who have pushed for more radicalized debates.
Nevertheless, progressive mayors in cities such as Budapest, Zagreb, Riga, and Milan have successfully implemented progressive policies and offered models of governance that can be replicated at the national level. In countries like Poland, where the rule of law is under threat, progressive strength is growing in cities like Warsaw. Prague's mayor represents the conservative camp but is part of a progressive coalition.
Barcelona and Valencia, governed by alliances of Greens, Leftists, and regionalists, have served as examples for the national government. However, these progressive governments have struggled to maintain popular support despite their policy impact.
The upcoming elections in 2023 may reverse the momentum gained by the progressive and Green movements in 2015. Internal divisions and the erosion of power could lead to a domino effect, potentially bringing the far-right to the Spanish government for the first time since the transition to democracy in 1975. Such an outcome would end one of the few progressive governments in the European Union and undermine European governance.
The fate of cities like Berlin and Lisbon should serve as a warning. Both cities previously had center-left leadership supported by broad coalitions that included Greens and left-wing parties. However, internal divisions within the progressive camp led to their loss to conservative forces. In Berlin, conservatives took power with support from the Socialists, who preferred to be subordinate rather than lead a progressive alliance.
Cities continue to be the centers of progressivism, where progressive policies can be directly demonstrated to citizens. Southern and Eastern European cities led by progressives have showcased new models of governance that could be replicated at the national level. However, progressives cannot take cities for granted and must engage in participatory democracy, collaborating with city residents to bring about change. They must also rebuild alliances to strengthen the social majority and prevent their strongholds from turning conservative, as witnessed in Berlin and Lisbon.
The kind of cities we build determines the society we become. The ability of progressives to gain power and transform cities can generate momentum for broader change in our countries and continent. Therefore, the outcomes in cities like Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia hold significance for the 2024 European elections.
Thanks for reading. You can support and reward my writing via:
Pay Pal – [email protected]
Algo - NCG6LBALQHENQUSR77KOR6SS42FGK54BZ5L2HFDSBGQVLGYIOVWYDXFDI4
ADA – addr1q9vfs6nqz4xmtnpljwhv4tukyskd2g7enxd87rpugkwwvfun5pnla5d5tes2mvurrc77e7837yd0scrfk063qlha8wgs8d4ynz
Bitcoin 3HbxyDXE9MhNQ8RqsirqgYvFupQzh5Xby2
ETH - 0x8982cdb97bd23f092f78a16a4fc93c5c4607a285
Seeds – vladlausevic
Skycoin – ZxjhWMJRbTNCRQzy5MekZzH4fhdWFCqBP8
Tezos — tz1QrRzkTAKuPKF8dmGW6c1ScEHBUGvoiJBM
