Students in the second year of the degrees in Journalism, Advertising and Public Relations, and Audiovisual Communication, which are taught at the Universidad Europea del Atlántico (European University of the Atlantic, UNEATLANTICO), have visited the Parliament of Cantabria to learn firsthand the workings and ins and outs of the House and political communication.
In the context of the “Public Opinion and Political Communication” subject, the students of Communication of UNEATLANTICO made an enriching visit to the Parliament in which they were able to see the central courtyard as well as the chamber and different meeting rooms. They were accompanied by teachers Javier Maruri and Guillermo Blanco, Regional Deputy and former Minister of Rural Development, Livestock, Fisheries, Food and Environment.
During the visit, the students were received by members of the Chamber, who shared their experiences and knowledge about the legislative process and the fundamental role they play in community decision-making. They also expressed their opinion “on the change that is taking place both in politics and in the way of communicating through the Internet.”
Participants were able to hear advice from María José González Revuelta, President of the Parliament; Miguel del Río, Head of the Department of Institutional Relations; and Mercedes Larumbe, head of Communications for the Regionalist Party of Cantabria (PRC). They all stressed the importance of transparency, education, and respect. In addition, González Revuelta explained “the difficulty of being parliamentary president in certain facets and making all parties feel the same way.”
In addition, Guillermo Blanco emphasized that politicians “are people of flesh and blood,” while Javier Maruri offered a reflection: “Those who show no interest in politics will be subject to the rule of those who do.”
This experience has been a positive opportunity for future communicators to acquire a real understanding of the political field, thus becoming familiar with a work closely related to Communication. The students expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to make this visit, showing a remarkable interest in asking questions both about the Cantabrian Parliament and about the importance of this institution and the responsibilities associated with working in it.