The mobile society: A more mobilised society?
From protest movements and attempts at direct democracy to the most intimate human interactions, mobile communications are having an impact on everyone's lives. But how far and how deep is the change?
Why open Pandora’s Box? | 
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Malcontents in search of democracy |
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Reforming the Constitution is a guaranteed way to open up a thousand and one debates about democracy in Spain. The 1978 referendum, in which the current Constitution was approved, was a turning point at a major crossroads in the political life of a country that aspired to be close to Europe, improve the quality of life of its citizens and take on the process of transitioning to democracy under the guidance of a parliamentary monarchy. To think that reforming the Constitution now is the only way to control the deficit is probably a reflection of the need for a renewal of the policies of the political parties, not necessarily generational change.
In recent weeks Spain has witnessed campouts and protests over the political system and the economy. In different cities citizens, mostly young, have taken over public squares to express their opinions, highlight their grievances and try to create, at least initially, a (non-virtual) social network that they hope will translate into a movement that makes clear the real power of citizens in a democratic society. Although some of the protests have been violent, the movement has acted quickly to distance itself from illegal courses of action.