European Elections

[knowal]

I wonder which party people will vote for in the up coming elections.
The PR system makes these elections quite interesting as nearly every vote counts.
One problem is that none of the EU representatives in Spain actually takes responsibility for anything much. I've tried emailing them and they never reply. They get paid enough and have secretaries, so I do wonder why!

Who to vote for...?

[Beachcomber]

CDS.

[knowal]

Thanks, Beach, I think they've been relabelled the CRD

http://www.centroreformistademocratico.es/

I'll have a read through their policies.

1.- No a la corrupción
2.- Sí al trabajo.
3.- Sí a la vida
4.- Sí a la familia
5.- Los servicios públicos están para servir al ciudadano y no para castigarlo
6.- El sistema judicial debe proteger a los ciudadanos y perseguir a los criminales
7.- La pequeña y mediana empresa son los pilares fundamentales de nuestro sistema laboral y hay que protegerlos.
8.- Fomento de la investigación y desarrollo.
9.- Fomento del turismo.
10.- Derogación de infinidad de leyes estúpidas.
11.- Protección de la naturaleza

I like number 10!

[Beachcomber]

Yes, they have but they are still widely known as Centro Democrático y Social:

http://www.centrodemocraticoysocial.es/

[knowal]

Thanks for the link, (which redirects to mine by the way).
The policies look good in brief, so I'll delve further when I can. Is no-one else interested in the European Elections, or is it that apathy rules?

[Mariacristina]

I don't think it is a case of apathy rules . . . more a case of endemic corruption rules. I read all the information I can and ultimately every political party promises that they will usher in a shining new age of care and affluence for all. The general message is that we can have more and pay less. The truth is that we can have anything we like if we are prepared to pay for it. It would be very nice if there was a political party - anywhere - that gave any signs of real common sense and honesty. But I suspect that, if the talked about reality, nobody would vote for them!

[Beachcomber]

It is a sad reflection on the country when a political party feels the need to make these points as part of their manifesto:

1.- No a la corrupción
2.- Sí al trabajo.
3.- Sí a la vida
4.- Sí a la familia
5.- Los servicios públicos están para servir al ciudadano y no para castigarlo
6.- El sistema judicial debe proteger a los ciudadanos y perseguir a los criminales

Whether the party concerned would follow them through in the unlikely event of its election to government would remain to be seen.

[knowal]

Number 6 is a good point.
If court cases were all dealt with inside of 12 months (max) of the incident or complaint it would be a huge improvement.
A small claims system would also be a great advantage to the "man in the street".
There is definitely a perception that justice is virtually non existent in this country, which is a sad state of affairs.

[Beachcomber]

I rather like number 5. I wonder how they would overcome the 036 culture among civil servants.

[anyroads]

I don't think it is a case of apathy rules . . . more a case of endemic corruption rules. I read all the information I can and ultimately every political party promises that they will usher in a shining new age of care and affluence for all. The general message is that we can have more and pay less. The truth is that we can have anything we like if we are prepared to pay for it. It would be very nice if there was a political party - anywhere - that gave any signs of real common sense and honesty. But I suspect that, if the talked about reality, nobody would vote for them!

Reminds me of the grafitti seen on a wall in Holloway Road just before a General Election many moons ago :

"Don't vote-VOMIT"

anyroads

[knowal]

Could not find a voting paper for CDS/CRD party at the polling station this morning! Could only assume that they were not fielding candidates in the Euro elections, so went back this afternoon - ended up voting for a mainstream party. Oh, well.