HR4RS stamp
Daria Efimova
In recent years, Parliamentary Simulations have conquered the student debate. Model United Nations (MUN), Spanish Transition Simulation (SITE), School Parliamentary Simulation (SIPE) are some examples of this type of event. Its objectives are diverse, among which are promoting debate, dialogue, increasing political commitment among young people and, in the case of more specific simulations, promoting knowledge about different government bodies.
With all these ideas and aspirations, the Bierzo County Council Simulation (SICCOBI) was born in 2021. Organized by International Relations students from the Rey Juan Carlos University, it took place from September 28 to October 1 in different emblematic places of Ponferrada.
The course of events
The group responsible for SICCOBI, Association for Debate and Oratory in Parliamentary Simulations (ADOSPA), emphasizes the importance of this project for the training of students. They aim to "encourage the academic development and personal growth of attendees, promote values such as cooperation, empathy and understanding, as well as enrich university life", and the environment of a parliamentary simulation is perfect for this.
The Bierzo region has been chosen for its great historical and cultural heritage. “We are seeking to decentralize the world of debate from the big cities to an empty Spain”, explains the general director of SICCOBI, Ángel Fernández Merayo. In addition, it is the only region with its own administrative body in the entire autonomous community of Castilla y León, which is why it is of special interest to students.
Organizing SICCOBI has not been easy. Some aspects, such as accommodation and transportation, were especially difficult to coordinate. "80 people have attended, of which 90% were from outside Ponferrada," says Ángel Fernández. However, the event had the support of the URJC, El Bierzo County Council and Ponferrada City Council, which has facilitated the organization of SICCOBI.
The event had a very similar format to other Parliamentary Simulations, adapting to the particular characteristics of the El Bierzo County Council. The participants were able to form part of four commissions: Tourism, Culture and Heritage, Rural Development; and, as a special commission, there was the City Council of Ponferrada. They had four possible roles at their disposal (Ministry, Presidency, Staff or Press) and were assigned one of the seven political parties of different ideologies and currents.
During the weeks prior to the simulation, each debater has to find out about the position of their party, to later defend it in the Council during the eight Parliamentary Sessions.
A simulation of high hopes
As for the future of SICCOBI, the organization team is very optimistic about the reception received by the event. “It will be the one that its participants decide”, concludes Ángel Fernández, “and, for now, everyone wants to return.” Therefore, the organizers are sure that, in 2022, there will be a second edition of SICCOBI.