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Harvard professor Berna León joins PSOE's think tank, sees progressive future for Spain
🇪🇸 Spain /Elections & Politics

Harvard professor Berna León joins PSOE's think tank, sees progressive future for Spain

From El País · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Berna León, a Harvard professor and sociologist, has joined the PSOE's think tank, Fundación Avanza, in Spain.
  • León cited the international rise of illiberal forces and the perceived progressive leadership of the Spanish government as reasons for accepting the role.
  • He expressed optimism about a potential progressive victory in the 2027 Spanish elections, drawing parallels to the 2023 outcome.

Berna León, a 30-year-old academic with a background at Harvard and prestigious European universities, has transitioned from a quiet life of research to a leadership role at Fundación Avanza, the PSOE's think tank. He joins the organization as its executive director, a move prompted by a call from the late Manuel Escudero.

Entering politics today is a bit like throwing yourself to the lions.

— Berna LeónLeón explains his initial hesitation about joining the political sphere.

León, who was an assistant professor to Michael Sandel at Harvard, specializing in public policy, found himself at a crossroads. The international surge of illiberalism and the perceived retreat of left-wing movements globally contrasted with his work. He felt compelled to act, despite initial reservations about entering the often-contentious political arena and the potential academic prejudice against those who bridge academia and politics.

I couldn't say no in this international context, in which many people tell me: how lucky you are that you are Spanish, how lucky that your government is standing up to Trump and calling genocide by its name and leading an international progressive space.

— Berna LeónLeón justifies his decision to join Fundación Avanza, highlighting Spain's international role.

"Entering politics today is a bit like throwing yourself to the lions," León admitted. However, he felt a responsibility to contribute, especially given the international context. He noted that many people express admiration for Spain's current government, seeing it as a bulwark against forces like Trumpism and a leader in progressive internationalism.

Today, most Spaniards are aware that they live better than in 2018, so I don't know why we can't expect a progressive victory in 2027.

— Berna LeónLeón expresses optimism about the upcoming 2027 Spanish elections.

Looking ahead to the 2027 elections, León expressed confidence, recalling the widespread pessimism before the 2023 vote. "Today, most Spaniards are aware that they live better than in 2018, so I don't know why we can't expect a progressive victory in 2027," he stated. He also reflected on his father, Bernardino León, a former Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, and the generational parallels of entering politics, acknowledging his parents' eventual support for his decision.

With the years, our parents become more risk-averse, but I have to say that mine have always supported me in all my decisions.

— Berna LeónLeón discusses his parents' reaction to his career change and their eventual support.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by El País in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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