Left Q&A || Mercedes Villalba MSP
Mercedes Villalba is Labour MSP for North East Scotland
How would you define your politics? I'm a Socialist. What that means to me is the pursuit of fairness and the common good. No-one achieves anything without the work of others, but too many aren't able to fulfil their potential because of a system that favours private wealth over shared prosperity.
What book has had the biggest influence on your political outlook? The Dispossessed by Ursula K. Le Guin. It explores freedom and carceral politics in a way that I had never encountered before.
And what book are you currently reading? The Poor Had No Lawyers: Who Owns Scotland (and How They Got It) by Andy Wightman. The concentration of land ownership remains one of the greatest symbols of inequality in Scotland.
Which figure or figures from history do you take inspiration from? Jesus. From a political perspective he's the ultimate socialist. I'm a big fan of his secular work.
Name one issue on which you have changed your mind. Sex work. In the past I didn't think that selling sexual services could be a form of labour. Having listened to people who do this work about why they do it, my view has changed.
What one thing do you most dislike about how we do politics (and how would you change it)? Politics is still far too exclusive for anyone that’s not wealthy or well-connected. We should teach our young people about politics from a much earlier age so that everyone is equipped with the tools & confidence to scrutinise our governments and the media.
What media do you turn to for news and analysis? I still turn to the BBC for national coverage, but for Scottish Politics I haven't found any high quality, mainstream analysis that I’ve been satisfied with. For that I turn to independent Scotland-based activists, campaigners and commentators.
Where do you do your thinking? On the move.
Name five songs or pieces of music you couldn’t live without.
Trouble - Cat Stevens
Know Your Rights - The Clash
Last Goodbye - Jeff Buckley
Lifestyles of the Rich & Famous - Good Charlotte
Bailando - Enrique Iglesias
Is there a building that you love and if so, what is it? I have fond memories of Cheltenham Road public library in Bristol, but the building was sold to a private developer a few years ago and turned into expensive flats. Sadly, this is the fate of many of our public buildings under Tory austerity. We need fair funding for councils and rent controls.
What is your favourite film with a political theme or content? Logan's Run
Is there an artist or artwork that connects to your political viewpoint? Luncheon of the Boating Party by Pierre-Auguste Renoir. Life is for enjoying!
If you had a parliamentary majority for a day, what one law would you pass? Wealth Tax.
If you could choose to witness one moment in history, what would it be? The Big Bang.
Is there a living political figure or movement that gives you hope? The recent election of President Gustavo Petro and Vice President Francia Márquez in Colombia gives me hope.