Historic debate in Lavapiés: Anson and Iglesias discuss Monarchy and Republic.

In a vibrant corner of the Lavapiés neighborhood, the Taberna Garibaldi became the stage for a unique debate between two iconic figures of Spanish politics: Luis María Anson and Pablo Iglesias. Against the backdrop of a discussion that spanned from the Monarchy to the Republic, these two men, representing opposite ends of the political spectrum, sat down to converse freely, engaging in a dialogue that, though unlikely, piqued everyone’s curiosity. Luis María, with his monarchist stance, arrived at the debate loaded with books and notes, ready to discuss his vision of a monarchical system that, according to him, has been a fundamental pillar of contemporary Spanish history. In contrast, Iglesias, the former vice president and leader of Podemos, came prepared to defend the idea of a plurinational Republic that, for him, represents the future and social justice in the country. The ensuing conversation was a genuine clash of ideas in which both expressed their thoughts with honesty and candor. The atmosphere of Garibaldi, adorned with symbols of the Republic and the history of the Spanish left, contrasted with Anson's presence, who, at 91 years old, displayed a surprising vitality. Amid laughter and anecdotes, the two men discussed the importance of the Transition, a process that, according to Anson, was masterfully led by Juan Carlos I. Iglesias, however, questioned the narrative of parliamentary Monarchy, suggesting that its survival depends on right-wing support and strategic pacts that, in his view, have distorted democracy. A heated point in the conversation arose when Anson defended Juan Carlos I, arguing that his reign has been one of the most important in Spanish history, despite recent scandals. Iglesias, for his part, did not hold back his criticisms of Felipe VI, whom he considers a "King of the right" and a symbol of a system that, according to him, does not represent the whole nation. This clash of perspectives revealed the deep divisions in Spanish society and the difficulty of finding common ground. As the conversation progressed, both speakers reflected on the history of Spanish politics, corruption, and disillusionment with the current democratic system. Iglesias raised the idea of a referendum on the Monarchy, suggesting that the people should have the opportunity to decide their political future. Anson, however, expressed skepticism, pointing out the danger of simplifying such a complex debate to a binary question of "Monarchy or Republic." Hours passed quickly as the two men exchanged views, and the audience present witnessed a rare facet of Spanish politics: the sincere dialogue between ideological adversaries. At one point, Iglesias reminded Anson that nostalgia for the Second Republic should not guide the construction of a new future, a point that resonated in the debate. Anson agreed that the challenge is how to connect with new generations, who expect more from their leaders. Towards the end of the evening, Anson and Iglesias reflected on the need for a change in political discourse in Spain. Both agreed that current politics must adapt to new times, where youth demand clear answers to contemporary issues such as gender equality, digitalization, and the fight against corruption. However, the path to that change remains uncertain and fraught with obstacles, both cultural and political. "This country functions more beneficially for the common Spanish people with a Monarchy," Anson asserted, while Iglesias countered his comment with the need to move towards a true democracy that reflects the country's diversity. The tension between their visions was palpable, but so was the mutual respect they had earned over the years. The debate concluded with the promise to continue the conversation at another time, leaving many unanswered questions hanging in the air. Will they be able to find common ground in the future? Is it possible to build a system that includes both monarchists and republicans? The Taberna Garibaldi bid farewell to its illustrious guests, as the echo of their words resonated off the walls, reminding everyone that, amid division, dialogue remains a powerful tool for progress. The meeting between Anson and Iglesias was not only an exchange of ideas but also a testament to the complexity of Spanish politics and the need to listen to all sectors of society. In an era where extremes seem to dominate, the conversation between these two men represents a beacon of hope for a more dialogical and constructive future.