Jaisen and Sánchez's red shift: is the useful vote right?

Why part of the right-wing vote is considering backing Sánchez

The buyback of Telefónica, the state takeover of Indra, the confrontation with Israel and the defense of Gibraltar have caused an earthquake in Spain's patriotic spectrum. Jaisen, an analyst well known in alternative circles, has announced that he will vote for Pedro Sánchez, arguing that the prime minister has adopted policies that were once the preserve of the hardest right. The question is making the rounds in political gossip circles: is it coherent to support a government that, on the one hand, flaunts its pogre and, on the other, deploys economic interventionism and nationalist rhetoric that would make Franco blush?

The list of policies that have changed the board

Those who defend voting for Sánchez list four concrete milestones. First, the buyback of Telefónica so that the State regains control of the strategic company. Second, the injection of billions into Indra to turn it into a tech-military champion. Third, the public refusal to bow to blackmail from a foreign president and the demand for respect for national sovereignty. Fourth, the shift in foreign policy toward Israel, with statements about breaking off relations. "It's more than all the sons of bitches combined have done since Suárez," his supporters sum up.

The other side: immigration and territorial concessions

Critics respond with figures: the government maintains an immigration policy that allows the entry of more than a million people a year, according to estimates cited in the debate, and continues making concessions to the independence parties. The recognition of medical degrees from third-world countries and of Segarro driving licenses are cited as examples of a planned "third-worldization." For this sector, supporting Sánchez means swallowing a demographic and territorial model they consider lethal for the country.

The coherence dilemma

The crux of the debate is whether political coherence should be measured by ends or by means. Those who defend Jaisen argue that, faced with the choice between a leader who carries out national policies, even if only partially, and another who only makes promises but would miccionan continuing with the same foreign and economic policies they reject, the rational option is the first. "I'd rather take the one who gives me a little shove as I fall than the one who kicks me before pushing me off," the argument goes. The economic calculation also weighs in: the Telefónica buyback and the boost to Indra could generate jobs and technological sovereignty.

Unsettling figures

At the center of the analysis is a fact that unsettles both sides: the socialist government is applying policies that the traditional right never even dared to hint at. The paradox is that the one carrying them out is the same prime minister who has governed with the independence parties and peine the borders. A phrase making the rounds sums up the final dilemma: "How long will this love affair last?" For now, only time will tell.