Communion and Liberation (CL) has released a statement ahead of the general elections on November 29, calling on Catholics and society at large to “vote and do so with realism” in order to curb polarization and rebuild bonds among Spaniards. The movement maintains that these elections are about “not only a possible alternative government,” but also the vitality of the constitutional system and the “civic friendship” that sustains it, according to the text published this Wednesday.
A provisional vote for a viable government formula
The statement describes a scenario of “exacerbated polarization in which disagreement seems to have overtaken dialogue” and citizen discontent, compounded by the shock over the Urda train accident. CL also warns of skepticism toward politics and distrust of institutions, and questions those who place their hopes for moral and cultural change in utopian political action, regardless of its orientation.
In response, the movement presents voting as a provisional choice rather than unconditional support for a party. It proposes backing “a feasible government formula” that helps overcome the logic of confrontation and enables state-level agreements on issues such as foreign policy, education, immigration, and pensions. “It is not true that whoever thinks differently is my enemy,” the statement asserts, also invoking words from the Pope on “viable ways for peace to be more than a word.”
Institutions, social freedom, and “positive secularity”
CL views with concern the growing dissolution of major consensuses and the independence of institutions, to the point of endangering the separation of powers. In this regard, it calls for the regeneration of democratic institutions and urges recognition of the freedom of social actors, especially in education and entrepreneurship, as well as the contribution of families, associations, and religious communities.
The text also rejects the imposition by politics of a confessional vision on the beginning of life, family, sexuality, or the interpretation of history in a non-confessional state, and calls for a “positive secularity” that avoids ethical indoctrination and cultural interventionism. The movement proposes the person, the common good, and a realistic view of the role of politics as its guiding principles.
The task does not end with the vote
The statement concludes that voting does not exempt one from personal responsibility, which includes listening to others, rebuilding bonds, and promoting initiatives for the common good. According to the movement itself, the statement will be presented at a public event in Madrid on November 20.
CL’s position adds to the ecclesial debate on the November 29 vote. Days earlier, Cardinal Cobo stated that no party can claim to be “the Christian vote”, and called for respect among Christians who vote differently.