Speaking about the centre again

The issue opens with the claim that a significant party of the centre could not exist in Spain for two reasons because the electoral law does not encourage one, and, above all, because it would have no essence, that is, a strong enough philosophy, sentiments and goals to rally in a coherent manner – not randomly or circumstantially —, a significant portion of the population. At any rate, the publication underscores the fact that Catalonia and the Basque Country do have centrist parties, the CiU and the PNB. The reason for this is less about political cohesion and more about nationalism uniting diverse ideas and constructive attitudes.

The journal examines the three political families that, although not defining themselves as centrist, do have their own ideology and a centrist component. More precisely, it refers to liberalism, social democracy and Christian democracy.

Three schools of political thought though different from each other in their historical approach and origins today converge or coincide in many points. Something that allows a synthesis not always complete from an ideological standpoint but politically effective. And consistent and enduring and, therefore, effective, if a climate of confidence and constructive spirit, a desire to lend primacy to the general interest emerges.

Some commentators in this issue of VIA define the centre in a number of ways. For instance, “the centre is the fruit of trust that enables the confluence of moderate elements from the right and from the left”, or even “represents the capacity of synthesis between opposing sides”, or even “is the result of a liberal, social and European inspiration”, or even “is the point of convergence between democratic Catholic culture, the liberal and the social democrat”.

Noteworthy is the frequency with which the term social-liberal is nowadays used. Many years ago it was a difficult grouping to accept.

There is one other key element to make the centre viable and coherent, and that is a strong sense of the common good. Hence, the absence or a much diluted measure of sectarianism. A generous idea of society, a demanding and confident sense of country, a strong collective feeling, balanced and inclusive, can give a definitive cohesion to the centre and make it possible and effective.