Pablo Iglesias Founds Spanish Socialist Worker’s Party (1879)
On May 2, 1879, the Spanish workers’ leader, Pablo Iglesias, established the Spanish Socialist Worker’s Party (Spanish: Partido Socialista Obrero Español, PSOE), in Madrid, Spain.
Iglesias was one of the most profound Spanish socialist propagandists. He promoted the principles of Marxism, the interests of the working class, and declared his intent to create a socialistic state. His ideas eventually led to government reforms in Spain, such as an 8-hour working day.
In 1889, the Spanish Congress selected Iglesias as president of its national committee, and he acted as president for 36 years. He guided the Spanish Socialist Worker’s Party, and he was one of the first socialists elected to the Madrid Municipal Council and Spanish parliament.
Iglesias also published more than two thousand newspaper articles in Spain between 1870 and 1925 – a feat unsurpassed by most.
Today, the Spanish Socialist Workers' Party is one of leading parties in Spain and the second oldest party in the country. The PSOE promotes progressive social issues and even legalized same-sex marriage in Spain in 2005.