New Political Cycle: Beyond the Plaza Era

• Modern grassroots movements are shifting from decentralized, spontaneous 'autonomous' models toward building stable, large-scale organizations.
• The current rise of tenant unions and grassroots labor organizing reflects a transition from post-15M horizontalism to durable institutional power.

The Shift in Organizational Strategy

• The post-15M cycle favored horizontal structures, distrust of representation, and the occupation of public spaces.
• While valuable in building awareness and community, the 'autonomy' model often struggled to maintain long-term power or strategic continuity after protests ended.
• New grassroots efforts, specifically tenant unions, focus on building permanent institutions that organize around concrete material interests rather than just ideological alignment.

Mobilization vs. Organization

• Mobilization brings people together for temporary events, while organization builds capacity for sustained action and decision-making.
• Strong movements require both: mobilization to draw in large numbers and organization to provide the infrastructure, leadership development, and strategy needed for lasting impact.
• Successful organizations multiply leaders from the base, enabling participants to manage their own conflicts effectively.

Implications for Future Protests

• The current trend suggests that future mass actions, such as potential general strikes, will likely be built from the 'inside out'—by established grassroots organizations rather than through external calls.
• By creating their own power structures, movements can influence political outcomes without relying solely on electoral cycles or political parties.
• The goal is no longer just to protest, but to establish institutional power that can negotiate, resist, and govern long-term interests across neighborhoods and workplaces.