Carmen Calvo, president of the Council of State, has urged young people to defend the legacy of the PSOE amid current social and political transformations that threaten citizens’ rights.
During an event in Mérida, marking the beginning of the political year in Extremadura, Calvo emphasized that the current situation is characterized by “new forms of authoritarianism” and that it is crucial for younger generations to respect and protect this legacy. Alongside the regional secretary of the PSOE, Álvaro Sánchez Cotrina, and the mayor of Mérida, Antonio Rodríguez Osuna, Calvo quoted Stendhal, stating that “history will watch over us all” in this critical period.
The former deputy prime minister warned of a problem of “frivolity, superficiality, immaturity, and ignorance,” adding that these traits can jeopardize fundamental aspects of democracy. “The world has never experienced such a great transformation without undergoing convulsions,” she stated. Therefore, she urged progressive democrats to be committed to their legacy and to defend human rights.
Calvo continued to highlight that, in the context of technological and economic changes, it is essential that sovereign power remains in the hands of the people and that democracy continues to advance. She called upon young people, whom she described as “heirs” of the socialist legacy, to confront a capitalism that, according to her, is becoming increasingly aggressive and threatens the dignity and rights of life.
The former deputy prime minister also warned of the rise of lies and the manipulation of history, arguing that fascism seeks to subdue the mind and promote emotion instead of reason. “We need to continue being rational beings who identify facts and truth,” she declared, facing a “neo-fascism” that avoids rational debate.
Additionally, Calvo addressed young people regarding the challenges posed by new technologies, stating that these, if well managed, can be valuable, but can also become a “trap.” She emphasized that they must verify and discern between what truly constitutes progress and what may lead to greater inequality.
Finally, she stressed that being brave and maintaining socialist principles is vital as the PSOE approaches its 150th anniversary. She underscored the importance of not yielding to ignorance and superficiality, highlighting that what is at stake includes fundamental rights such as life, housing, wages, and education.
Source: www.infobae.com
