Líneas rojas 2016
Semicaricatural images of Spanish politicians by Jordi Minguell, combined with non-standard suits.
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.
By Roddy Somerville
France • Member since May 31, 2022 • Contact
Roddy started collecting stamps on his 8th birthday. In 1977 he joined the newly formed playing-card department at Stanley Gibbons in London before setting up his own business in Edinburgh four years later. His collecting interests include playing cards, postcards, stamps (especially playing cards on stamps) and sugar wrappers. He is a Past President of the Scottish Philatelic Society, a former Chairman of the IPCS, a Past Master of the Worshipful Company of Makers of Playing Cards and Curator of the WCMPC’s collection of playing cards. He lives near Toulouse in France.
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