Representing the people: an analysis of Podemos' discursive strategies in its founding manifesto 'Mover Ficha’

Abstract

In Spain, the economic crisis of 2008 started a new cycle of social protests, which brought to light how dissatisfied the citizens were feeling with their governing elite. As early as 2011, the Indignados movement was claiming “No nos representan”. Aiming to fulfill this need for better representation, Podemos was created in 2014. The brand-new party wished to represent the people through relaying, and advocating, their demands. By analyzing their founding manifesto, this paper will study the discursive strategies set up by the emerging political entity in order to establish their democratic legitimacy in the eyes of voters.