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| United Left–Community of Madrid | |
|---|---|
| Name | United Left–Community of Madrid |
| Native name | Izquierda Unida Comunidad de Madrid |
| Foundation | 1986 (regional federation) |
| Headquarters | Madrid |
| Position | Left-wing to far-left |
| National | United Left (Spain) |
| Country | Spain |
United Left–Community of Madrid is the regional federation of United Left (Spain) operating in the Community of Madrid. Founded in the 1980s amid the consolidation of post-Franco Spanish politics, it has participated in municipal, regional, and national contests while engaging with social movements in Madrid and other municipalities such as Alcalá de Henares and Getafe. The federation has been a partner and rival to formations like Podemos and the Spanish Socialist Workers' Party in coalitions, pacts, and electoral agreements.
The formation of the organization occurred during the 1980s after the creation of United Left (Spain), aligning with national debates between factions linked to the Communist Party of Spain and other leftist currents reacting to Spain's transition from the Francoist dictatorship and the drafting of the Spanish Constitution of 1978. In the 1990s the federation navigated tensions generated by shifts in European left politics observed in events such as the rise of New Labour in the United Kingdom and policy changes in the French Communist Party. The early 2000s brought renewed activism during protests against the Iraq War (2003) and mobilizations around labor disputes influenced by unions like the Comisiones Obreras and the General Union of Workers. In the 2010s, the emergence of Podemos and the 15-M Movement reshaped alliances and prompted regional coalitions for the Community of Madrid elections and municipal contests, culminating in pacts with civic platforms in cities such as Madrid and Leganés.
The federation mirrors the federal structure of United Left (Spain), comprising member parties and affiliated organizations including the regional chapter of the Communist Party of Spain and various green and republican groups historically connected to platforms such as the Izquierda Republicana. Internal governance includes a regional assembly, a coordinator or spokesperson serving as the executive figure, and territorial councils in localities like Móstoles and Alcorcón. The organization interacts with trade unions like Comisiones Obreras and civil society networks involved in housing campaigns inspired by events such as the 2008–2014 Spanish financial crisis and the movement around the Eviction protests in Spain. Decision-making processes have at times reflected disputes similar to those experienced by federations during the 1982 Spanish general election aftermath and the debates that animated the European Left.
The federation positions itself on the left to far-left spectrum, advocating policies rooted in traditions associated with the Communist Party of Spain, the Socialist Workers' International debates, and European leftist platforms such as the Party of the European Left. It supports public welfare measures in response to austerity policies promoted after the European sovereign debt crisis, endorses rights advanced in instruments like the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and campaigns for housing protections echoing rulings and campaigns around the Spanish mortgage crisis. On regional matters, it has promoted public services in sectors historically overseen by institutions such as the Madrid Health Service and the Complutense University of Madrid networks, while opposing privatization similar to controversies involving entities like the Madrid Metro concessions.
Electoral activity has spanned municipal councils, the Assembly of Madrid, and contributions to lists for the Congress of Deputies and the Senate of Spain via national coalitions. The federation's representation fluctuated through cycles influenced by national trends exemplified by the results of the 1996 Spanish general election, the surge of new formations during the 2015 Spanish general election, and the consolidation of alliances for the 2019 Spanish general election. In municipal politics notable outcomes occurred in municipalities such as Rivas-Vaciamadrid and Fuenlabrada, where leftist coalitions influenced local governance, while contestation in the Community of Madrid regional elections often saw seat shares adjusted by alliances with entities like Podemos and the Equo party.
Prominent figures in the federation have included regional coordinators, assembly deputies, and municipal mayors with backgrounds linking them to the Communist Party of Spain, trade union activism, and social movements such as the Indignados movement. Leaders have participated in debates alongside national personalities from organizations like Podemos, the Spanish Socialist Workers' Party, and civic leaders from platforms comparable to the Movimiento de Defensa de la Vivienda. Some members have had links to cultural institutions including the Museo del Prado circles and academic networks at the Autonomous University of Madrid.
Historically the federation engaged in joint lists and pacts with national and regional forces, cooperating with United Left (Spain), negotiating electoral agreements with Podemos, and forming coalitions involving green parties such as Equo and republican groups reminiscent of Izquierda Republicana. These alliances were shaped by wider European arrangements like the European Left and by local needs such as municipal anti-eviction campaigns tied to groups similar to Stop Evictions activists. Coalition dynamics influenced governance arrangements in city halls including Madrid City Council and regional institutions like the Assembly of Madrid.
The federation's activism includes participation in demonstrations linked to the 15-M Movement, campaigns against austerity measures implemented after the 2008 financial crisis, and initiatives for tenant rights paralleling protests against evictions and mortgage foreclosures. It has organized electoral campaigns in coordination with civic platforms, supported strikes called by unions like Comisiones Obreras and the General Union of Workers, and backed cultural events connected to institutions such as the Teatro Real and community projects in neighborhoods like Lavapiés.
Category:Political parties in the Community of Madrid