A potential new progressive movement is emerging, challenging the prevailing narrative that the centre-left is in decline. This shift is predicated on a growing recognition among social democrats of the failures of globalisation to deliver widespread equality or adequately support working populations. For years, the economic consensus favoured by many centre-left parties has been scrutinised for its perceived contribution to widening disparities and a sense of disenfranchisement among segments of the electorate.
This evolving perspective can be seen as a 'backlash to the backlash' against the liberal rules-based order, which has been significantly challenged by populist movements epitomised by figures such as former US President Donald Trump. While Trump represented a strong rejection of established international norms and economic frameworks, the nascent progressive movement seeks to articulate a different response to the underlying anxieties that fuelled such populism. This involves a renewed focus on domestic workers' rights and a more equitable distribution of economic benefits.
A notable proponent of this renewed progressive vision is the Spanish Prime Minister, Mr. Pedro Sánchez. In a recent speech, Mr. Sánchez, leader of the Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE), articulated a vision of 'just democracy'. While the full details of this concept are still being elaborated, it suggests a move towards a political system that prioritises fairness and inclusivity, potentially addressing some of the structural inequalities that have been exacerbated by uncontrolled globalisation.
The emphasis on 'just democracy' from a prominent European leader suggests a concerted effort to redefine the tenets of progressive governance. This involves not only critiquing the past but also proposing concrete policy solutions that aim to rebalance economic power and strengthen social safety nets. Such an approach could offer an alternative to both the market fundamentalism of previous eras and the disruptive populism that has gained traction in recent years.