THE SPANISH ELECTIONS

Northland Age, Volume 3, Issue 12, 15 December 1933, Page 8

THE SPANISH ELECTIONS

'T'HOSE who hoped that * Spain’s difficulties would be solved by a general election, and the Republic more firmly established, cannot fail to be disappointed by the result. The mun.tude of political parties has made any definite decision impos ible, and it is predicted that the leader of the Popular Action Party may establish a dictatorial State. The difficulties of the Republic have largely .'’’•‘sen from the divided inter- " • o or irg it. It was expected that when the

monarchy was abolished much property would be available for distribution among the people. The Socialists made liberal promises which they were unable to fulfil in many cases. At first, also, they showed little sense of the value of order, and there was much rioting, which caused a rapid decline in every kind of business. Sectional parties were formed for the protection of different interests, and the various political parties became so numerous that it was impossible for any one party to obtain a working majority. The consequence was that Senor Azana, the Socialist Premier, held office without enjoying the support of a majority of the people. When it was desired to supersede him, it was found that his opponents were so divided amongst themselves that no one political party was capable of taking office with any hope of majority support. He established a despotic rule by means of the Defence of the Republic Act, which enabled him to set aside the safeguards of liberty guaranteed under the Constitution. His arbitrary actions caused a revulsion of feeling against the Republic itself, and the Communists and the Monarchists alike opposed it. A general election became imperative, and great efforts were made to rally all the friends of the Republic to its support. Interests, however, were still divided, and 92 different parties went to the poll. Nov; it is said that the Socialists, Republicans and Radicals are forming a coalition to oppose the forces of reaction. The main issue is the continuance of democratic rulfc. Those who desire it to continue will have to realise that a multitude of political parties, each seeking some petty party aim, is inconsistent with any stable form of government. Britain has found the value of the two party system. There is a clear issue now before the Spanish people. Are they, or are they not, in favour of a democratic form of government? Unless they declare decisively in its favour, sinking all minor issues, they may find dictatorial rule the only alternative.