Líneas rojas 2016

As explained on the title card, this pack was created at a unique moment in Spanish history. A general election was called for 26 June 2016 following the failure to form a stable governing coalition the year before. It was a moment for decisive choices to be made, in other words a point of no return. This gave the pack its title, “Lineas rojas” (literally “Red lines” in English).

Each suit represents one of the four main political parties fighting the election: Partido Popular (People’s Party), led by Mariano Rajoy; Partido Socialista (Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party), led by Pedro Sánchez; Podemos, led by Pablo Iglesias; Ciudadanos (Citizens), led by Albert Rivera. The symbol for each party is used as the suit-sign, while each party leader appears on one of the kings (12s). The 10s are all female politicians. Jordi Minguell’s treatment of these and the other political figures shown is in a semicaricatural style reminiscent of Spitting Image puppets. As the suits are all non-standard and do not equate to the traditional Spanish ones, there are no ‘pintas’ or line breaks.

Above: 'Líneas rojas 2016' political playing cards made by Heraclio Fournier, S.A., Legutiano, Spain, 2016. 40 cards + 1 extra card (with text in Spanish) in clear plastic box. Size: 62 x 95 mm.