Residents of the Campo de Gibraltar region are facing the upcoming 17-M elections with a deep sense of abandonment, characterized by a perceived disconnection from both the provincial capital of Cádiz and the rest of Spain. This sentiment has fueled a growing political movement that seeks to challenge traditional parties in a territory often referred to as the “ninth Andalusian province.”
A Region of Paradoxes: Industrial Power vs. Infrastructure Decay
The Campo de Gibraltar, home to 282,162 inhabitants (with a census of 203,180), presents a stark economic contradiction. It houses the Port of Algeciras, which handles the highest tonnage of any port in Spain at 104,133,046 tons—representing 18.7% of the national total and surpassing both Valencia and Barcelona.
Despite this industrial strength, the region suffers from a lack of social services and an income level that falls below the national average. Infrastructure gaps remain a primary grievance. for example, the Algeciras-Vejer section is the only part of the Nacional 340 that has not been doubled.
“Our relationship with Cádiz as the capital of the province is remarkably distant. We have no infrastructure that unites us, not even public ones. There is no train, there is no highway,” says Jesús Verdú, a professor of International Law at the University of Cádiz and director general of the Campus Bahía de Algeciras.
Verdú notes that the region’s only rail connection was constructed by the British in the 19th century and remains in a state of permanent construction. This historical isolation has created a society with specific characteristics that, according to Verdú, do not align well with the general solutions offered by major political parties.
The Rise of Localism and ‘100×100 Unidos’
The feeling of neglect has led to high rates of political disaffection. In the last regional elections, the abstention rate reached 53.34%, which is 10 points higher than the average for Andalusia and five points higher than in Cádiz.
In response, Juan Franco, the mayor of La Línea de la Concepción and the most voted regidor in Spain, has promoted “100×100 Unidos,” a municipalist candidacy for the 17-M elections. This movement mirrors other localist initiatives in Spain, such as Teruel Existe or Democracia Ourensana in Galicia, according to José Manuel Trujillo, a professor at the Universidad Pablo Olavide of Seville.
Trujillo suggests that 100×100 Unidos may act as a “refuge” for voters who are less loyal to traditional party labels, particularly disenchanted Socialists. He notes that the PSOE’s support in Cádiz dropped from over 307,000 votes in 2004 and 2008 to 108,000 in 2022.
Strategic Stakes for the 17-M Elections
The primary goal for 100×100 Unidos is to secure at least one representative in the Andalusian Parliament. Juan Franco stated to RTVE that obtaining even one seat would be considered a victory, as it would allow the region’s voice to be heard in the legislature.
Statistical data suggests this is a possible outcome. In the June 2022 regional elections, the PP secured the final deputy for Cádiz with 27,475 votes. In contrast, the 10 formations that have now integrated into 100×100 Unidos obtained 35,537 supports during the 2023 municipal elections.
If the PP fails to achieve an absolute majority, 100×100 Unidos could potentially become a kingmaker, similar to how La Línea 100×100 helped the PP secure the Diputación de Cádiz in 2023. In such a scenario, the party intends to negotiate specific regional demands, including:
- Improved rail connections and employment subsidies.
- Reduced classroom ratios and lower teacher rotation.
- Better health center services and reductions in waiting lists.
- Investment per capita for Cádiz equal to that of Málaga, which currently receives double the investment.
Meanwhile, Paco Mena of the Coordinadora Antidroga del Campo de Gibraltar argues that the region needs to be declared a “zone of special singularity.” While typically associated with fighting drug trafficking, Mena believes this status should be expanded to promote the economy and education to provide youth with alternatives to poverty and social exclusion.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ‘ninth Andalusian province’?
It is a popular term used to describe the Campo de Gibraltar, a region that feels disconnected from the administrative and political power centers of the province of Cádiz and the rest of Spain.
Why is the abstention rate so high in this region?
Experts like Jesús Verdú suggest that the society in the region does not feel linked to the responses generated by traditional political parties, who have failed to understand the local needs and daily realities of the residents.
What are the specific goals of 100×100 Unidos?
Their immediate objective is to enter the Andalusian Parliament with at least one representative. If they hold a deciding vote, they aim to secure investments in health, education and transport, specifically requesting parity in per capita investment with Málaga.
Do you believe localist parties are more effective at addressing regional neglect than national political platforms?