DeSantis and Ayuso are young, brash and plotting their way to the top | Opinion

Both were born in 1978 and, since 2019, both have been in charge. She is from Madrid, Spain; he is from Florida, in the United States. They are young, emerging figures from their political groups, they speak clearly, make their party leaders nervous and have great popular support. More and more people point to them as future presidents.

Isabel Díaz Ayuso, president of the Community of Madrid, and Florida’s Gov. Ron DeSantis likely do not know each other, but their policies and destinies are closely linked. They tout, with bravado, economic freedom, low taxes and a different approach to the pandemic, during which many leaders opted for confinement and business closures.

I am fortunate to have been born in Madrid, to which I escape when I can to enjoy family and friends, and see how this “vibrant “region — according to Javier Fernández-Lasquetty, its minister of economy — improves every day even in ways more unexpected. But I am also fortunate to live in Florida, in Miami-Dade, and thanks to that I have lived through the COVID-19 crisis without panic, knowing that the world was not going to end, while enjoying the hospitality and local businesses of a county that has held up with flying colors.

Taxes in Madrid were kept low, regulations maintained business activity with its “Open Madrid” policy, thousands of Americans decided to come live in Florida, attracted by the same features: freedom and low taxes. In addition, Florida is one of nine states in the United States that does not charge state income tax.

“Florida has become the escape hatch for those chafed by authoritarian, arbitrary and seemingly endless mandates and restrictions,” said DeSantis in his Jan. 11 State of the State address. During the pandemic, DeSantis has boasted, 800 people moved to Florida every day, thanks to his policies during the pandemic.

For her part, Ayuso assures residents that Madrid is experiencing “a true economic, technological and digital renaissance.” According to the Global Power City index of the Japanese Mori Memorial Foundation, Madrid is among the 10 best cities in the world to in which to invest.

But beyond the data, politics also is a matter of touching voters’ hearts, and in these difficult times, DeSantis and Ayuso have done so. They have said what most people wanted to hear and have stirred up emotions. DeSantis’ success has upset not only his enemies, but also some fellow party members. For example, we have seen show Donald Trump and Pablo Casado, the president of the Spanish Popular Party, view with concern the growing popularity of these two politicians, who once were in their shadows.

Ayuso has become a national benchmark in Spain, who can exert her influence in elections in other regions of Spain. A few days ago, in Valladolid, she was acclaimed by thousands of people in the streets during the electoral campaign in Castilla-León. DeSantis already is using his voice to step away from Trump, inspiring Latin American conservative leaders who use Florida as a reference to curb left-wing populism.

Spain’s general elections have been set for the end of 2023. The U.S. presidential election will be held in 2024. Ron DeSantis and Isabel Díaz Ayuso? Remember these names.

Manuel Aguilera is founder and CEO of the HispanoPost Media Group. He is a former executive editor of Univision’s online platform and former top editor at Diario las Américas.