Me, President: The Novel That Reflects Spanish Political Reality
The work Me, President establishes from its first lines a direct link between its fictional narrative and the current political landscape of Spain. Written under the pseudonymous collective of Tristán Paniagua, the writers Mario Garcés, Luis Cueto, and José Manuel Calvo develop a plot where every situation and character is grounded in real events, explicitly highlighting that coincidences with public figures are entirely intentional. 🎭
Authors with Diverse Political Backgrounds
The three creators bring complementary visions thanks to their different trajectories in the public sphere. Garcés has experience as a deputy and Secretary of State, Cueto served as chief of staff during Mayor Manuela Carmena's term, and Calvo acted as a councilor in the Madrid city council. During the presentation at Espacio Bertelsmann, they revealed that the literary project was born more than two years ago after a chance encounter, describing the protagonist as a contemporary figure that transcends traditional hero or villain archetypes.
Significant Details of the Protagonist:- The name Humberto Hurtado has Germanic roots meaning "bear that steals"
- Represents a presidential candidate who reflects on his ethically questionable decisions
- Embodies behaviors that emerge in environments of influence and power
"Humberto Hurtado is not a portrait of a specific politician, but a synthesis of multiple observable situations in current Spain" - Authors' explanation during the presentation
Analysis of Political Rise and Influences
The novel details the rapid rise of Hurtado in the political sphere, driven by the support of his father-in-law, a figure that symbolizes the importance of economic resources and personal connections in the world of power. The writers emphasize that the character is an amalgam of circumstances present in the national landscape, including his origin in the fictional New Youths, an organization that synthesizes characteristics of youth groups from different political formations.
Highlights from the Presentation:- Cueto emphasized the protagonist's authoritarian style and his ability to overcome seemingly destructive scandals
- Calvo delved into the internal doubts and moral conflicts of the main character
- Garcés noted that the interpretation of the work varies according to each reader's individual perspective
Final Reflections on the Political System
In the concluding segment of the event, the authors addressed the national political situation with critical observations. Garcés warned about the possibility of new corruption cases and the need for an organized citizen response, while Cueto questioned the vulnerabilities of the system when rulers use their electoral legitimacy to interfere in institutions like the Constitutional Court. The work poses an uncomfortable question: does reading this novel equate to watching the news through a filter of fiction that makes them more digestible, or does it simply confirm that reality frequently surpasses imagination in terms of political absurdities? 🤔