Is there room for a political center in Spain? Another attempt without Ciudadanos is on the horizon.

To speak of the political center in Spain is to speak of history books. An anachronism in a polarized political context that, nevertheless, refuses to die. After the disappearance of Ciudadanos (Cs) from the parliamentary frontline, the space has mutated into various microprojects that have garnered little media attention. The headquarters of the party, which a few years ago represented the colors of the center and once became the third political force in the country (57 deputies), is almost indistinguishable from a cafeteria in its location on Príncipe de Vergara Street in Madrid.

The Oranges are refusing to disappear, and last October they held a General Assembly that resulted in the election of Carlos Pérez-Nievas as secretary general of Ciudadanos. However, the latest movements in the Spanish liberal movement are taking place outside of this party. All eyes are on Míriam González Durántez , a lawyer and founder of the Better Spain platform , whom media outlets like The Guardian have identified as the European liberals' (Renew) choice to revive the center in Spain.

Sources close to the lawyer confirm to El Confidencial that talks have taken place with Renew in Brussels, but that no offer has been made from her side. "Míriam is focused on 'Better Spain,' on promoting proposals from civil society," her office states. However , her team does not rule out a move into politics if they find that through the foundation they are unable to introduce the measures they consider necessary: eliminating special jurisdictions; a new water policy; a thorough reform of the tax system to reduce contributions for workers and entrepreneurs; and changes to housing policy to encourage rentals.

"No option has been closed. If the changes we want need to be made from a political perspective, we will discuss them ," say those close to him, who state that González's political orientation is one of "common sense."

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Míriam González's political agenda is extensive. She has a recognized track record as an expert in European Union law, having served on the Board of Directors of Acciona (2010-2015) and as Vice President of the financial services firm UBS Europe. Politics is not at all a foreign territory for this lawyer, as her husband, the liberal British politician Nick Clegg , served as Deputy Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 2010 to 2015.

More than a dozen centrist parties in Spain have come knocking on his door. Among them is the Cree platform, founded by former MP Edmundo Bal after his expulsion from Ciudadanos by the former leadership led by Adrián Vázquez, now a PP MEP. He has also held meetings with similar parties such as Contigo and various regional groups, some with active governments, such as La Línea 100x100, the party that holds the mayoralty in La Línea de la Concepción. González also held a meeting with the leader of the Popular Party, Alberto Núñez Feijóo.

Ciudadanos (Citizens) has also participated in this tour of meetings, as sources within the party confirm to this newspaper. Joining the party is not an option for Míriam González or the "España Mejor" (Better Spain) team, which also includes former UPyD MEP Beatriz Becerra. "What is clear is that if they present themselves as a political option , they will avoid worn-out labels and brands ," those close to them point out.

They insist that González "has no affiliation," but that "if there's something in the future and someone wants to join, fantastic." In any case, the project won't be based on shady foundations.

Cs will return in the next elections

For its part, Ciudadanos claims to be open "to civil society" and expresses its satisfaction "that there is movement and that the liberal space is reorganizing and once again becoming key in the political landscape. The important thing is that this space prevails."

The Orange Executive's intention is to present itself as a political option in all upcoming elections, with the first being the elections in Castile and León and Andalusia. " Staying home during the 2023 general elections was a mistake," the party asserts.

The party admits that a rebranding is on the table, a proposal that numerous voices supported during the previous refoundation due to the wear and tear of the acronyms. The preferred option was 'Liberales'. However, the Catalan (and original) wing ultimately prevailed, and it was decided to maintain the same brand name. The current team acknowledges that "Ciudadanos is not at its best" and the change of acronym will be addressed, although it will be accompanied by "more profound changes" because otherwise it would be "pure cosmetics."

Space for the center?

Political polarization was the argument used by Adrián Vázquez and the former Ciudadanos leadership to discourage the party from running in the July 2023 general elections. A decision that dynamited the party, leading to the dismissal of Edmundo Bal and Francisco Igea, who is still a deputy for Castile and León.

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Two years have passed and the landscape remains polarized, but the new centrist voices believe there is room for them in the national political spectrum. "The more polarization there is, the more likely a space for the center becomes. There are many Spaniards disenchanted with the current system and a lot of weariness with the issue of corruption (which swings between left and right). In recent times, there has been a much more rapid deterioration of institutions, and people are fed up with the political noise," González's team points out.

"Right now is not our time. We're going to push through a reform designed for young people in the coming months and continue with a Better Spain. If the changes we want can't be made, we'll see what happens in a year," they added.