Stepping into the Cármenes, it feels like time takes a pause. This isn’t just any neighborhood in Madrid. It’s a place where the echoes of Manuela Carmena’s mayorship still linger in the air. Carmena, a former judge and human rights advocate, served as Madrid’s mayor from 2015 to 2019. Her time in office was marked by a significant reduction in the city’s debt, a staggering 38% decrease in just 18 months. She achieved this while simultaneously increasing social spending by 26%, a feat that drew scrutiny from the national government.
The Cármenes, like the rest of Madrid, felt the impact of Carmena’s leadership. Her administration initiated public consultations on various projects, giving residents a voice in shaping their city. The revitalization of Plaza de España was one such project. Carmena’s commitment to addressing the legacy of the Franco dictatorship was evident in her council’s decision to rename 52 streets and places that bore names linked to that era. This was a direct application of the 2007 Law of Historical Memory. It reflected a desire to move beyond the past and create a more inclusive city.
Carmena’s career, prior to her mayorship, was equally impressive. As a judge, she fought against corruption in the courts. She was a founding member of Judges for Democracy, a testament to her progressive values. Her work extended beyond Spain’s borders. She served as Chair-Rapporteur of the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, visiting countries like Equatorial Guinea, Honduras, and South Africa.
Even in retirement, Carmena remained active. She founded “Yayos emprendedores” (entrepreneur grannies), a cooperative supporting a small business that sells goods made by prisoners. This initiative highlights her belief in second chances and social justice. Her journey from a small shirt shop in Madrid, where her father worked, to the mayor’s office is a remarkable story of dedication and service.
Cármenes, under Carmena’s leadership, experienced a period of transformation and renewal. Her focus on social responsibility, fiscal responsibility, and citizen engagement resonated throughout the city. Her mayorship marked a distinct chapter in the history of Madrid, one that continues to shape the city’s identity today. The Cármenes stands as a quiet witness to this era.