Election Day in Spain

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flyeogh

Posts: 729
Joined: Oct. 13 2004

Election Day in Spain

Well today is election day in Spain and here they count the votes really quickly (in part because it is a list system) and the result will be known by midnight, if not well before. For me it is fascinating watching history in the creation. The extreme right here is gaining support to a level not seen since Franco’s days). They are offering: extreme tax reductions for the middle and upper classes, to promote flamenco and bull-fighting (branded Spanish nationalism), and the banning of regional independence parties. Meanwhile the left who won the election earlier this year are in disarray. By not forming a coalition when they had the chance, they may well have handed power to the right.

And against all that is a growing aggression against Catalunya. Interesting times.

But like many Spaniards we will wrap MIL up warm in her wheelchair and head to the local school to vote. Then to the bar (this year we're going to the Asturian bar) for drinks and tapas. A real family occasion. Perhaps Sundays are not a bad day to have an election

Then home to light the first log fire of the year. It has gone quite chilly and we’ve had the first serious rain since March. Then I’ll give an online English lesson to a Spanish lady in Carlisle before practicing my new Sevillanas (or come Thursday I’ll have a disappointed prof!)

Hope wherever you are my friends you have a very enjoyable Sunday.

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nigel (el raton de Watford - now Puerto de Santa Maria, Cadiz)

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Nov. 10 2019 8:22:33

Piwin

Posts: 3559
Joined: Feb. 9 2016

RE: Election Day in Spain (in reply to flyeogh)

Looks like the left did alright in the end. Relative drop but not too shabby all in all. Ciudadanos took the hardest hit, and Vox had the steepest rise. Center-right disappearing in favor of extreme right. Sounds familiar.

Still no majority though, so I guess we can look forward to another round in what? 6 months? They need to set up a system where you can just check a box saying "I vote for the same party for all the elections in the next year, now bug off and do your job already".

_____________________________

"Anything you do can be fixed. What you cannot fix is the perfection of a blank page. What you cannot fix is that pristine, unsullied whiteness of a screen or a page with nothing on it—because there’s nothing there to fix."

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Nov. 11 2019 18:40:22

flyeogh

Posts: 729
Joined: Oct. 13 2004

RE: Election Day in Spain (in reply to Piwin)

quote:

They need to set up a system where you can just check a box saying "I vote for the same party for all the elections in the next year, now bug off and do your job already".

yup that would be good. But I can still go for drinks and tapas presumably ???

For sure the destruction of Ciudadanos was spectacular. In May they were at over 20% in one poll and talking of winning.

Anyway life goes on. I'm ready for a beer before my final Sevillanas picado practise of the day.

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nigel (el raton de Watford - now Puerto de Santa Maria, Cadiz)

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Nov. 11 2019 19:25:06

Piwin

Posts: 3559
Joined: Feb. 9 2016

RE: Election Day in Spain (in reply to flyeogh)

quote:

But I can still go for drinks and tapas presumably ???

Sorry. No elections, no tapas!

That's the kind of rule that would start nationwide riots lol.

_____________________________

"Anything you do can be fixed. What you cannot fix is the perfection of a blank page. What you cannot fix is that pristine, unsullied whiteness of a screen or a page with nothing on it—because there’s nothing there to fix."

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Nov. 12 2019 7:20:53

Richard Jernigan

Posts: 3430
Joined: Jan. 20 2004
From: Austin, Texas USA

RE: Election Day in Spain (in reply to Piwin)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Piwin

quote:

But I can still go for drinks and tapas presumably ???

Sorry. No elections, no tapas!
That's the kind of rule that would start nationwide riots lol.

In Costa Rica it's not just drinks and tapas. If you can't show you voted in the last general election, you don't qualify for social security benefits, presumably including health care!

RNJ

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Nov. 12 2019 23:11:06

Neil

Posts: 78
Joined: Oct. 29 2018

RE: Election Day in Spain (in reply to flyeogh)

So it looks like we are getting a government at last. The PSOE/Podemos pact should have been done and dusted months ago but it took an uncomfortable nibble from the maggots of Franco to finally force them to get their act together. If the same minority parties that enabled the vote of no confidence last summer back or abstain the coalition vote we should be set for the next four years. Por fin!

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Nov. 13 2019 0:51:07

flyeogh

Posts: 729
Joined: Oct. 13 2004

RE: Election Day in Spain (in reply to Neil)

quote:

So it looks like we are getting a government at last.

Neil I'm not counting my chickens

I reckon back to the urnas next summer. Just hope they can do some employment reform and get the unemployment down before then. But I always was an optimist

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nigel (el raton de Watford - now Puerto de Santa Maria, Cadiz)

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Nov. 13 2019 5:40:23

Piwin

Posts: 3559
Joined: Feb. 9 2016

RE: Election Day in Spain (in reply to Richard Jernigan)

@Richard Jernigan Your comment prompted me to look up which countries have compulsory voting laws. I was surprised to learn that the vast majority of Central and South America seem to have them, though apparently not always enforced. I had no idea!

@flyeogh @Neil We should turn this into a wager. Shall we say, if by June 2020 there have been no elections, then Neil wins? I'm siding with flyeogh on this one. The loser(s) will have to pay a round of drinks and tapas (and in case you're sneaky, I'll add: or two rounds of drinks if it's a free tapas place

) in a place of his/their choosing. I see a trip to Granada with free drinks and tapas in our future flyeogh!

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Nov. 13 2019 7:27:48

flyeogh

Posts: 729
Joined: Oct. 13 2004

RE: Election Day in Spain (in reply to Piwin)

quote:

I see a trip to Granada with free drinks and tapas in our future flyeogh!

Hell of a long way for a drink, as nice as an afternoon with you guys would be, And this could happen 4 or 5 times in the next few years

But I'm in for a virtual drink and tapas

I saw yesterday that a proposed alliance had 9 parties!!!! Hard enough to get two to agree let alone 9

On the enforced voting thing I never have understood it. There are many reasons not to vote that are quite logical/sensible/principled. And if you ruin your voting paper that is often miss-understood. In the UK I voted Raving Looney once to show my lack of confidence in any candidate. Problem was the Loonies had the best policies so my vote was probably miss-interpreted even then

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nigel (el raton de Watford - now Puerto de Santa Maria, Cadiz)

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Nov. 13 2019 8:39:27

Piwin

Posts: 3559
Joined: Feb. 9 2016

RE: Election Day in Spain (in reply to flyeogh)

Can you not cast a blank vote in the UK? No "none of the above" option?

_____________________________

"Anything you do can be fixed. What you cannot fix is the perfection of a blank page. What you cannot fix is that pristine, unsullied whiteness of a screen or a page with nothing on it—because there’s nothing there to fix."

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Nov. 13 2019 9:06:21

Neil

Posts: 78
Joined: Oct. 29 2018

RE: Election Day in Spain (in reply to flyeogh)

My optimism for a deal may be misplaced but I'm happy to buy a round if it doesn't happen!

@flyeogh Unemployment is on a downward trend. Latest figures were at 13.92% down from 16.74% at the start of 2018, and the lowest since the beginning of 2009. The lowest it has ever been is around 8.00% just before the crash and of course, it hit 26.94% in 2013. So the current figures are positive in that respect and economic growth has been good over the last couple of years.

I think Spain will always have relatively high figures due to the high amount of seasonal/temporary work and the open tolerance of informal labour (black market). They still need to do much more in terms of enforcing a minimum/living wage and making it easier and cheaper for people to work autonomo. However, economists are predicting another slowdown over the next year, so any new government may have a bumpy start!

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Nov. 13 2019 9:30:43

Paul Magnussen

Posts: 1805
Joined: Nov. 8 2010
From: London (living in the Bay Area)

RE: Election Day in Spain (in reply to Piwin)

quote:

Can you not cast a blank vote in the UK? No "none of the above" option?

The Monster Raving Loony Party is a genuine British political party, established in 1983 by one of my favourite musical characters, Screaming Lord Sutch*. He used to run against the incumbent Prime Minister, and when he lost, invite him to a party to show that there were no hard feelings.

When people said that he shouldn’t be allowed to stand, he would point out that he got more votes than the Revolutionary Communist Party candidate, and he was allowed to stand.

quote:

Despite its satirical nature, some of the things that have featured in Loony manifestos have become law, such as "passports for pets", abolition of dog licences and all-day pub openings.

(Wikipedia)

*Although not (it has to be said) one of the World’s greatest musicians.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Nov. 13 2019 15:16:38

flyeogh

Posts: 729
Joined: Oct. 13 2004

RE: Election Day in Spain (in reply to Paul Magnussen)

quote:

The Monster Raving Loony Party is a genuine British political party

Paul too true. A few years back I was a fully paid up member

Best policy: YELLOW lines will be painted where you can park instead of where you can’t to save money.

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nigel (el raton de Watford - now Puerto de Santa Maria, Cadiz)

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Nov. 13 2019 15:52:26

flyeogh

Posts: 729
Joined: Oct. 13 2004

RE: Election Day in Spain (in reply to Neil)

quote:

@flyeogh Unemployment is on a downward trend.

Certainly is. My stepdaughter has a job in Madrid that lasts 6 months. She gets 500 Euros a month. She has a degree, is just finishing her Masters, and speaks fluent English.

The excuse is that it is a training period - but in fact she is treated as a goffer. But it sure is a great way to reduce the unemployment count.

At least she found this before accepting a 400 Euros a month in Getafe.

But enough of this. I'm thinking of excuses to get to Granada. Could be a fun meet up and I haven't been to Granada since picking up my Ander's guitar in 2005

Maybe we could busk a little then the drinks and tapas would be covered?

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nigel (el raton de Watford - now Puerto de Santa Maria, Cadiz)

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Nov. 13 2019 16:01:53

Neil

Posts: 78
Joined: Oct. 29 2018

RE: Election Day in Spain (in reply to flyeogh)

Hey, I've lived and worked here through some of the worst years of the recession, as an employee and as autonomo - my wife too. I know how hard it can be - we both work two jobs now. But I've seen it much worse than it is now, certainly here in Granada.

Anyway, my busking days are over but with cheap drinks and free tapas that's no problem. Spring is a great time to visit and Hai is coming back here then too, I'm babysitting one of his guitars until then!

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Nov. 13 2019 21:01:45

Piwin

Posts: 3559
Joined: Feb. 9 2016

RE: Election Day in Spain (in reply to flyeogh)

quote:

But enough of this. I'm thinking of excuses to get to Granada. Could be a fun meet up and I haven't been to Granada since picking up my Ander's guitar in 2005

How about "I haven't been to Granada since picking up my Ander's guitar in 2005"? That sounds like a good enough excuse to me!

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Nov. 15 2019 10:29:03

makanakijones

Posts: 14
Joined: Sep. 14 2019

RE: Election Day in Spain (in reply to flyeogh)

quote:

And against all that is a growing aggression against Catalunya

Against Catalunya? Really?

I was born and raised in Catalunya and I can tell you that is that is not the direction, The hate was cultivated 30 years ago in catalonian schools and what We have now is the fruit from that.
Other countries have the love for the underdog, but this is not the case, as much as i love Catalonia They will be shamed of the actions they are taking these days.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Nov. 16 2019 19:59:13

flyeogh

Posts: 729
Joined: Oct. 13 2004

RE: Election Day in Spain (in reply to Piwin)

quote:

How about "I haven't been to Granada since picking up my Ander's guitar in 2005"? That sounds like a good enough excuse to me!

Piwin I can see that you can be very persuasive. But SWMBO needs to be persuaded and she, despite being Sevillana, is not flamenco inclined

But she did go with me back in 2005 and thought Anders was charming. But equally I'm sure you can likewise be charming

Hell I'm talking myself into this

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nigel (el raton de Watford - now Puerto de Santa Maria, Cadiz)

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Nov. 16 2019 21:20:31

Piwin

Posts: 3559
Joined: Feb. 9 2016

RE: Election Day in Spain (in reply to flyeogh)

quote:

Hell I'm talking myself into this

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_____________________________

"Anything you do can be fixed. What you cannot fix is the perfection of a blank page. What you cannot fix is that pristine, unsullied whiteness of a screen or a page with nothing on it—because there’s nothing there to fix."

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Nov. 17 2019 17:27:49

Neil

Posts: 78
Joined: Oct. 29 2018

RE: Election Day in Spain (in reply to Piwin)

quote:

@flyeogh @Neil We should turn this into a wager. Shall we say, if by June 2020 there have been no elections, then Neil wins? I'm siding with flyeogh on this one. The loser(s) will have to pay a round of drinks and tapas (and in case you're sneaky, I'll add: or two rounds of drinks if it's a free tapas place ) in a place of his/their choosing. I see a trip to Granada with free drinks and tapas in our future flyeogh!

Looks like the drinks and tapas are on you guys!

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jan. 8 2020 19:49:26

Piwin

Posts: 3559
Joined: Feb. 9 2016

RE: Election Day in Spain (in reply to Neil)

I don't know if I'm ready to admit defeat just yet! This fragile majority has to last for the next 6 months!! Damn it, now I'm conflicted because I want their coalition to work, but I also don't want to lose the bet

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jan. 8 2020 20:23:40

flyeogh

Posts: 729
Joined: Oct. 13 2004

RE: Election Day in Spain (in reply to Piwin)

I'm going to hang on in there. It isn't over till the fat lady sings.

But I'd also like the coalition to survive as I can only see another election resulting in
spain leaning to the right. Or as Iglesias put it "the right, the ultra right, and the ultra ultra right

Of course the UK may hard brexit which would leave Spain in the pooh. That might trigger an election.

If all hell breaks loose you'll find me behind the Gib walls - probably with guitar in hand, cap on floor, a nice pint, and fish and chips

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nigel (el raton de Watford - now Puerto de Santa Maria, Cadiz)

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jan. 10 2020 9:35:08