Spanish constitution, Is too soon?
By Matias T. García Pérez
That was the thought that allows me to realise about the present of this country. Some days
ago I was interviewing people in a city of Spain about the lately redacted Constitution in Cádiz,
the last spanish refuge against Napoleon’s invasion. When I had finished I analyzed and
reviewed all the answers they gave me I noticed something. I realized that isn’t only a war
between France and Spain, also is a war between Spaniards, between their ideas. For this i’m
going to answer my own question:
“What do you think about the Spanish constitution recently redacted in Cádiz?”
For understand the different points of view, we
must know what this constitution says. This
constitution called “La Pepa” is very progressive.
It talks about expression and press freedom, the
elimination of the inquisition and the separation
of powers, now the king has so less power, that is
something good. To understand the situation and
the opinion of the people of this we have to focus
on two examples of the answers of my interviews:
“What we need is advance and make Spain better,
and this constitution will help our nation to shine
again, the citizens want choose.”
“Spaniards need a king, a Spanish one. The
creators of that constitution want to eliminate
our king, and that is not acceptable at all.”
This answers were taken in the same city, the same day. Nowadays Spain is divided: there are
persons who want the return of their king, conservative and absolutist, totally different is the
opinion of those who prefer accept the superiority of Napoleon and accept his brother José
Bonaparte as king that promises progressive reforms. Personally I prefer the french king,
because is more prepared and I agree with his ideas, even if he is a usurper. On the other hand
this situation made me to think about people, because choose between the identity of your
country against the need of changes is a very hard decision, and for that reason the division
of opinions is palpable.
Summarizing, my opinion is very clear: the constitution is a very important forward step and
is a model to follow, but Spain is not ready for it.. There are still many things to do, it is, simply,
too soon. It’s very complicated, but if Spain win and the king returns I don't think he want be
less than before. I hope someday this war ends and Spaniards, in the future, can decide what
is better for them. A future that, for now, is uncertain.