Ayuso defends "Spanish liberalism" in London
Isabel Díaz Ayuso, President of the Community of Madrid, delivered a powerful speech at the Margaret Thatcher Conference (MTC 2025) in London, organized by the Centre for Political Studies (CPS), a leading British liberal institution. She highlighted "Spanish liberalism" as a political philosophy that blends "market openness" with a commitment to leaving no one behind.
In her speech, Ayuso emphasized the importance of liberalism as a political compass that stands firm against "powerful political forces attempting to govern through fear." She called for unity within the center-right and presented Madrid’s political model as one that inspires the public. She stressed that politics must always serve the people, not the other way around.
Reflecting on the rise of far-left ideologies and the decline of liberal democracy, Ayuso called for a recovery of the true meaning of liberalism, defending "genuine, original Spanish liberalism." She underscored values such as freedom, responsibility, courage, truth, and joy, which should guide liberal politics.
Ayuso made a strong case for the rule of law as central to liberalism, noting that freedom is achieved through legal frameworks. She warned of political forces that exploit fear to divide societies, reminding the audience that no dictatorship operates without fear, persecution, and the abuse of state mechanisms.
She also addressed the threat of drugs as a weapon used against freedom, describing them as a tool of tyranny. The fight against addiction prevention is a key priority for the regional government.
Ayuso called for unity among liberals, conservatives, and center-right parties to resist "woke politics," which she sees as merely another guise for communism. She urged political leaders to use the rule of law and respect for institutions as guiding principles. She concluded by reaffirming the importance of personal life over politics, emphasizing that politics should always serve the people.
Her political model in Madrid includes public services, public-private collaboration, respect for property, family, legal security, low taxes, reduced bureaucracy, market openness, and fair competition—principles that she believes create a political alternative attractive to citizens. In her closing remarks, she reaffirmed that liberalism is about "freedom to live."
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