Why This Election Matters
The secretary‑general of PSIB‑PSOE, Francina Armengol, unveiled the party’s list of candidates for the Congress of Deputies in the Balearic Islands ahead of the general election on 29 November. She framed the vote as a clear choice between two contrasting models for Spain: a progressive, hopeful future versus a return to austerity and setbacks.
Main Points from Armengol’s Speech
Two Visions for Spain
Armengol described the Socialist vision as one of enthusiasm, hope, diversity, environmentalism, feminism, support for older people, and strong public services. In contrast, she warned that the right’s agenda leads to a “dark Spain” marked by cuts and roll‑backs.
Focus on the Balearic Islands
She stressed that the Balearic Islands feel the impact of national politics more than most regions. Specific examples she cited include:
- Regional funding formulas
- The special economic regime for the islands
- Free public transport initiatives
These improvements, she said, have come under Socialist governments and could be reversed if the right gains power.
Key Policy Priorities
Housing as a Right
Armengol called housing a fundamental right, not a commodity for speculation. She highlighted a worrying trend: the share of young people living independently has dropped from 18 % to 8 % in recent years.
Social Protections
She pledged to defend pension increases tied to the Consumer Price Index, uphold recent labour reforms, and safeguard public healthcare, education, and long‑term care services. She accused the right of favouring privatisation and budget cuts in these areas.
Call to Action for Young Voters and Women
Armengol made a direct appeal to women in the Balearics: “Don’t stay at home.” She argued that women are disproportionately affected by right‑wing and far‑right policies, citing Milena Herrera’s work on the State Pact against Gender‑Based Violence as an example of the progress Socialists aim to protect.
She also urged all left‑leaning voters, especially teenagers and young adults, to turn out on 29 November, linking their participation to the party’s longer‑term goal of regaining control of the Balearic Government in the regional elections scheduled for May 2027.
Full List of Candidates
The PSIB‑PSOE slate for the Congress of Deputies in the Balearic Islands includes eight principal candidates:
- Francina Armengol
- Marc Pons Pons
- Milena Herrera Garcia
- Eduardo Soriano Vives
- Sara Alcaraz Páez
- Enric Mas Martínez
- Azahara Peña de la Fuente
- Xavi Colom Lozano
Substitute candidates are Maria Àngels Pons Carrera, Iñaki de Eróstegui Aznar, and Maria Duran Febrer.
Looking Ahead: Regional Goals
Armengol connected the national vote to regional ambitions, explaining that a strong Socialist showing in the Congress could help the party reclaim the Balearic Government in 2027. She framed the upcoming election as a stepping stone toward broader progressive change across the islands.
Conclusion
Francina Armengol’s presentation highlighted a clear contrast between Socialist promises of hope, social rights, and environmental stewardship, and what she portrays as the right’s path of cuts and privatization. By focusing on housing, public services, and mobilising women and youth, the PSIB‑PSOE aims to turn the 29 November vote into a mandate for a more inclusive and sustainable Spain—starting with the Balearic Islands.
For more details, see the original report: Source
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