Gabriel Rufián, a Member of the Spanish Parliament from Barcelona since 2015, emphasizes the urgent need for leftist parties to renew their strategies to combat the increasing influence of the far-right party Vox. Once a marginal group, Vox has surged to become the third largest force in parliament, gaining significant ground with recent electoral successes in regions like Extremadura and Aragón. In light of this alarming trend, Rufián highlights that the question now is not just about strategy, but also about the actions and priorities of the left in the past years.

Rufián advocates for a united front among leftist parties that are not affiliated with the traditional Socialist Party, calling for innovative approaches to achieve an effective response against Vox’s growing popularity. As the left grapples with fragmentation and infighting, Rufián's proposal comes amidst a backdrop of criticism regarding the lack of focus on voter engagement and the perceived complacency that has allowed extreme right ideologies to flourish. This call for unity reflects broader concerns within progressive circles about the societal implications of the rightward shift in Spanish politics.

The pressing urgency communicated by Rufián signals a critical moment for the left in Spain as they reassess their strategies and mobilization efforts. In view of public opinion surveys indicating nearly 20% voter support for Vox, the path forward involves not only addressing the immediate threat posed by far-right extremism but also redefining the core principles and priorities of leftist politics to ensure sustainable engagement with constituents and counteract future threats.