Elections 07: When the party's over

The political parties wrap up their local election campaigns this evening, ahead of Sunday's vote and tomorrow's 'day of reflection' (aka 'day of peace'). Here in Cerdanyola, I don't see much sign that the Green Left coalition will lose the council. Given the growth and gentrification of the place over the last few years, it's not surprising that pretty much every party (but particularly CiU) are desperate to get their hands on power here.

The award for saddest campaign goes to the PP who are offering such an odd mixture of vague promises, they almost succeed in making one feel sorry for them. The PP are seriously unpopular in this working and lower-middle class town... the gentrification I mentioned before will only assist CiU. The PP's main policy seems to be appealing to old people to vote for them... nothing wrong with that, I suppose, but also not a sign of a party with any lasting appeal.

The biggest story here is probably the implosion of the 'Ciutadans-Partit de los Ciudadanos' - which is a sort of PP front group only with nice graphics. Two of the founders of the local party were sacked recently after they complained that 'maverick' party leader, Albert Rivera, imposed a party list on the group, going against the party's internal democratic rules. Big surprise! The C's have been tearing themselves apart over this sort of thing across Catalonia and it looks that they'll turn out to be nothing more than a little flash in the pan. The town is now covered with pamphlets from the sacked members decrying Ciutadans' "Corrupt List". Perhaps the extra publicity will earn them a few more votes.

Frankly, I'm not surprised at all. The C's have never really had any policy to speak of, beyond not supporting Catalan nationalism. Really, if you're against that, you could vote PP or PSC.

Consol Pla, CiU candidate, is apparently 'Very nice - and not really a CiU person'. She allegedly refused to allow party big-wigs to come to Cerdanyola, as she was worried they'd ruin her campaign. Probably good thinking. While Artur Mas may be a bit of a heartthrob among the aging female shopkeeper sector, he's a bit of a disaster when he opens is mouth.

As I said before, I expect Antoni Morral, the incumbent, to win. He's presided over a very successful time for the town and if that doesn't win you votes, I don't know what does. Of course, there's always a chance that the PSC will sneak back in... but I guess we'll have to wait until Sunday night before we know for sure.

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Gemma and I are spending the weekend in Tarragona. On Saturday, we're eating at El Fortí de la Reina, a wonderful restaurant in a stunning location, where we had our wedding reception. It's under threat of closure because it's too close to the coast. Hopefully, it wont be the last time we go.