Party Launches Ahead of 29 November Elections

Lawyer Miriam González Durántez officially launched Democracia 21 this Saturday in Madrid, unveiling her centrist political project ahead of the upcoming general elections on 29 November. The party will initially stand candidates only in Madrid and Barcelona, with plans to expand nationally in future elections. The launch event, held less than two months before election day, drew former members of Unión, Progreso y Democracia (UPyD), including ex-Congressman Rafael Calduch and MEPs Fernando Maura and Beatriz Becerra. Becerra has collaborated with González since 2023 through the España Mejor platform. Nick Clegg, former UK Deputy Prime Minister and González’s husband, also attended.

Housing and Tax Relief for Under-35s

At the heart of Democracia 21’s platform is a national plan to address the housing crisis. The party proposes redirecting €10 billion in unspent European funds toward a national sovereign fund for protected and affordable housing. González called on Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and opposition leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo to jointly negotiate this reallocation with Brussels. To ease pressure on young people, the party proposes eliminating all housing-related taxes for those under 35. González argued that no one earning €1,300 a month should spend more than €350 on rent.

  • Redirect €10 billion in unused EU funds to affordable housing
  • Eliminate housing taxes for under-35s
  • Cap rent at 27% of income for low earners

Institutional Reform and Anti-Corruption

Democracia 21 positions itself as a force for institutional regeneration, criticising the polarisation between Spain’s two main political blocs. González stated that many citizens are tired of voting "with their noses plugged" due to a perceived lack of meaningful choice. The party advocates depoliticising key institutions. Proposals include reforming the General Council of the Judiciary (CGPJ) so judicial members are elected directly by judges, making the Public Prosecutor’s Office accountable to Parliament rather than the government, and establishing specialised anti-corruption courts.

"We must ensure that the General Council of the Judiciary is depoliticised, free from politicians and politicised judges' associations; we must make the Public Prosecutor's Office accountable to Parliament, not to the President of the Government."

Other measures include abolishing parliamentary privileges (aforamientos), cutting subsidies to political parties and their foundations, and limiting all public offices to two terms.

Administrative Efficiency and Civic Engagement

To reduce partisan influence, Democracia 21 proposes cutting the number of political advisors by 90% and professionalising public administration by prioritising merit and ability in appointments. Parliamentarians would be required to hold constituency meetings at least once every two weeks, following a British model of accountability. The party also advocates for more flexible university degrees, removing administrative barriers to entrepreneurship, and a sustainable policy of salary increases. On immigration, González described it as an "asset and competitive advantage" while calling for regulated entry and exit policies. She rejected xenophobic rhetoric but stressed the need for clear controls on migration flows.

Reported by catalunyapress.es, infobae.com, 7 minutes, 20minutos.es, ElConstitucional.es of, EFE, Agencia EFE, Expansión.