Unai Sordo, the Secretary General of the Comisiones Obreras (CCOO) trade union, underscored the vital role of culture in the ongoing struggle for democracy during the 'Culture and Democracy' event. This gathering served as a precursor to a general strike, with notable figures from the cultural sector in attendance.
“Culture is crucial in determining the epochal struggle we face. We will not resign ourselves to anything,” Sordo stated emphatically. The event featured prominent personalities including Ana Belén, Luis García Montero, Juan José Artero, Rosa León, Lucía Álvarez, Ároa Moreno, Jesús Maraña, Víctor Manuel, María Botto, and Miguel Ríos, who collectively advocated for the cultural sector's essential role in defending democratic values.
“Thanks to the world of culture for standing firm. It is no small matter to discuss culture and democracy,” Sordo added, while also paying tribute to the victims of the Toledo train accident and the workers in the railway sector.
Sordo highlighted the current moment as significant for the history of nations, peoples, and working classes, stressing the need for states that protect their citizens and value the world of work. He described the present as witnessing the “largest democratic offensive since the military dictatorships of the last century.”
Reflecting on the assumption that once a democracy is achieved, it is irreversible, he cautioned against such naivety. He noted the turbulent times marked by consecutive crises that have led to profound changes and created an “enormous uncertainty of the era.”
“This poses an epochal dispute. We need a purpose as a society, and this requires individuals from the cultural sector to give meaning to a humane model of coexistence and civilisation. Culture is decisive in determining the struggle of our time. We will not resign ourselves to anything,” Sordo concluded, reiterating the call for widespread support for the general strike on 11 November.
