The slogan used by the Socialists in the 2008 general elections was “If you don’t vote, they come back.” “They” were the right of the PP. The socialists won those elections and three years later the popular ones swept their second absolute majority in democracy. Now, fifteen years later, the campaign of the Socialists and other parties will once again focus on the warning that the PP take power with the help of the extreme right. That “them” today refers more to Vox and serves to reissue the popular tale ¡Que viene el wolf! For this reason, one of the unknowns of 23-J is whether this notice will work and it will happen as in 2008, or else the voters will turn a deaf ear and give the majority to the right and the ultra-right.
Since Vox appeared on the political scene in December 2013, there have been multiple warnings to the electorate about the danger of a formation of this ideological nature ruling in Spain. But in view of the results of the elections of the last ten years, this warning sign has diminished as the formation of the extreme right has decisively increased its electoral support in regional governments and city councils. Therefore, it seems that a not insignificant part of the electorate has overcome the screen of fear of the arrival of the ultra-right.
At this point, the traditional parties should ask themselves if the warning that the wolf is coming is still useful. when the feared being has already entered the kitchen. Perhaps it would be good to reflect on why this party is gathering more citizen support every day and carry out a self-criticism of the reasons that lead voters to identify with the far-right proposals. Could it be that the parties prior to the birth of Vox have moved away from certain social concerns and do not address them with solvency? Could it be that the social listening of traditional politicians fails?
It is clear that in the vote for Vox there is a lot of protest, and the democratic parties would do well to offer convincing answers or the wolf will grow stronger. I am afraid that no wave can be stopped only with signs of danger, but by facing problems head-on, instead of disguising or hiding them.
