Concept in Definition ABC

The acronym PSOE is the acronym for Partido Socialist Spanish worker. This party has a ideology center-left, which is why it is considered a social democratic formation.

The PSOE was founded in 1879, its founder being Pablo Iglesias, a name that is currently Spanish It is very popular, since the leader of the Podemos party is called Pablo Iglesias in honor of the founder of the PSOE.

Traditionally the PSOE has defended the equality opportunities and compatibility between a market economy with the social protection of the state.

A historical brushstroke

The PSOE was originally a clandestine party with an ideology of Marxist and revolutionary inspiration. Pablo Iglesias was also the founder of the General Union of Workers (UGT), one of the most important national unions.

Throughout its history the PSOE has had two lines of action, which is why it has come to speak of the two souls of the PSOE: a social democratic soul and a revolutionary one. An example of his social democratic spirit is the party's resignation from Marxist ideology in 1979. An example of its revolutionary spirit is found in the affinity of the Spanish socialist leaders with the Soviet Union during the period of the Spanish civil war.

In the history of the PSOE we find moments of splendor and also dark episodes. Among the former, we must highlight the triumph of the PSOE in the general elections of 1982 (during the 14 years it was in the government of Spain, the Socialists promoted the modernization of the country and promoted important advances in relation to the welfare state). However, the Spanish socialists carried out corruption cases with a great impact on society during their government stage and have had profound crises throughout its history (for example, the confrontation between socialists in exile and those in the interior during the dictatorship Franco).

Proposals of the PSOE today

If we consult his political program, we will find a whole series of reform proposals (from the administration territorial state, fighting corruption, changing the energy model or legislative changes to combat inequality). At the same time, between his signs of identity The following should be highlighted: secularism, the vindication of historical memory, the promotion of the European Union and, in general, the improvement of public services.

In the electoral program of the PSOE for the general elections of 2015 the following proposals can be found: a minimum vital income, a reform of the Constitution to solve the territorial problem, measures to help entrepreneurs and an increase in public investment in R + D + i.

Photo: iStock - MarioGuti