Tensions and contradictions in political parties’ support for deliberation: the Las Palmeras case in Spain

Abstract

This study examines the complex relationship between political parties and citizen deliberation initiatives, focusing on the Las Palmeras neighborhood in Córdoba, Spain. Drawing from interviews and document analysis, it explores how parties’ support for participatory processes is shaped both by ideological positions and local contextual factors. The analysis identifies key factors influencing parties’ engagement with deliberative practices, including election cycles, coalition politics, and citizen activism. The study highlights the importance of local political dynamics in shaping party stances, demonstrating that even parties with limited ideological commitment to deliberation can adjust their approaches in contexts with strong participatory traditions. Historical path dependence reinforces parties’ positions on deliberation, suggesting that longstanding participatory processes create normative expectations that are difficult for political actors to ignore.