By Mark Montegriffo

In a retro-decorated office on the first floor of 230 Main Street, the much-anticipated ‘new movement’ was finally revealed. Perhaps rather auspiciously, the physical headquarters is behind office door number 6 (the same number that the Chief Minister’s office is often referred to as) in the block between a confectionary store and a pharmacy. The walls held a combination of artwork from Parisian scenes sand throwbacks of Gibraltar’s political history such as a famous framed photograph of the crowd at John Mackintosh Square after the 1967 referendum.

But, when the press conference eventually began, the visuals and the messaging from number 6 of 230 Main Street was completely focused on the future: movement as opposed to party, progressivism instead of status quo, inclusive and not exclusive.

This is quite clearly a concerted effort to distinguish Together Gibraltar from anything that currently exists as a political entity. Though it works because it authentically aligns with not only what Marlene Hassan Nahon and the civil association believe, but also for the reason that it captures a very obvious political space in Gibraltar that has been helplessly vacant for decades. Note the lamenting of the ‘barristocracy’ and the endorsement of a truly representative Parliament (note also the wide variety of ages and backgrounds that spoke of their support for Together Gibraltar in one of their videos), reflecting the members of the diverse community of which we are so vocally proud of. Equally, the recognition of discussions around nepotism within the political system and the need to challenge it by changing the way we do politics altogether.

This movement is unequivocally aware of the fear that many in Gibraltar have of speaking up and is a direct offer to them of a home to exchange thoughts on the systemic faults that may be present in our politics, both on governance and opposition, so that real change can revolutionise our society into the egalitarian modern democracy we want it to be. That is the logical conclusion of the 21^st century progressive values that provide the nucleus of the organisation and the narrative arc of the movement itself. Piecemeal reform and ignorance of social change only perpetuates the political system as it has always seemed to have been. Although that status quo comfort might benefit some, it is still not the scenario that benefits the many. With the realisation of a stagnant political process where ‘time for change’ led to ‘not very much change, really’ and a ‘sinking ship’ Opposition, it is no wonder that there are people calling for a new direction to meet the opportunities and difficulties that lie ahead for Gibraltar, domestically and internationally.

Indeed, as Hassan Nahon expressed, a significant chunk of inspiration was drawn from examples of highly successful civil groups around the world. This genuine anti-establishment left-wing vacuum has been filled by similarly framed movements such as those embodied by Bernie Sanders’ platform of ‘democratic socialism’ in the USA, Macron’s En Marche in France, and Podemos in Spain (as a distinguished member of the press identified). As Marlene alluded to in the media conference, this progressive movement could have hardly been founded by a right-wing ultra-conservative in any way that is coherent or credible. The aforementioned prominent member of the press also highlighted that the core values as promoted on the banners and leaflets in the room are ideological areas that most people can agree on. None of them are specifically based on a negative premise for precisely the effect of inclusive communication. The launch had, probably by intention, an air of a relatively broad-church popular movement with this press conference signposted as its humble public starting point, versus a movement with a stricter line but more limited scope. The only ideological group that can consider themselves as alien to the movement, by Marlene’s admission, is one that espouses intolerance and discrimination – basically, anything far-right and fascistic, which most would safely assume is not a large number compared to the socially conscious and tolerant individuals in the community.

In my segment of the Together video, I pressed the opportunity that this movement can give to empower young people into the political process to affect long-term change, moving away from short-term ‘reactionism’. But all the contributions seemed as valid as the next because they strike at the heart of the dissatisfaction with the political establishment that impacts them in a variety of instances. Whether it is fear of free political expression, distrust in the reality of ‘transparency’ and ‘accountability’, or more specific policy concerns, the ball is now in Together’s court for the upcoming months to begin to steer their momentum into a program for change.

Mark Montegriffo is studying politics and philosophy at Manchester. He is also a member of Together Gibraltar.