They point to replacements in the dome, the spokesperson for the Executive and in the parliamentary groups
MADRID, July 19 (.) –
The PSOE faces a Federal Committee next Saturday, July 23, to undertake profound changes in the party’s national leadership, after the resignation of the deputy secretary general, Adriana Lastra, according to several socialist officials consulted by Europa Press, who point out the need for give the party a boost in the face of the new political course and with the regional and municipal elections in less than a year.
The general secretary, Pedro Sánchez, has convened the highest body between congresses, 24 hours after the party’s ‘number two’ announced that she is leaving office for personal reasons and long-term sick leave. Lastra’s departure also occurs in the midst of tension with the Secretary of Organization, Santos Cerdán, and gives rise to a deeper remodeling of the party’s leadership.
The scenario that is now opening is for Sánchez to undertake the changes in the structure of the party and in the parliamentary groups. There is even speculation that later, after the summer holidays, he will carry out a government reshuffle.
POSSIBLE EXIT FROM CERDÁN
In the spotlight is also the spokesperson for the Federal Executive, in the hands of Felipe Sicilia and who has received the bulk of the criticism for the poor communication of the party and the inability to transfer the government’s measures.
Regarding Cerdán, current ‘number three’ of the PSOE, several sources consulted point to his departure, to complete this profound remodeling of the leadership. It should be remembered that the relationship between Lastra and Cerdán was not fluid, to the point that Sánchez brought them both together two months ago to put an end to the internal affairs, according to socialist sources told Europa Press.
One of the main unknowns is what will happen to the deputy general secretary, a position that some voices describe as “artificial.” Therefore, it is possible that Sánchez appoints a new ‘number two’ or that, on the contrary, he gives it up and disappears, so that the Organization Secretariat would regain those powers, putting an end to the current ‘bicephaly’ system.
NEW FACES FOR FERRAZ
One of the most repeated names by the sources consulted is that of Patxi López, currently a deputy and president of the Constitutional Commission in the Congress of Deputies and with extensive experience as lehendakari and president of the Lower House. A socialist position places him as a spokesman in Congress, replacing Héctor Gómez, since he is a “powerful”, “recognizable” and “weighty” figure, according to him.
Others mentioned are the current director of the Cabinet of the Presidency, Óscar López, – who could leave Moncloa to join the Ferraz structure or even join the Executive in a future remodeling – and his number two, Antonio Hernando.
The sources consulted consider that López is “wasted” in the current tasks that place him behind the spotlight and must step forward because he is “a political animal” and, as they indicate, he could contribute more to Sánchez in a position with more visibility.
CRISIS OF GOVERNMENT “INEVITABLE”
Finally, the sources consulted point to several ministers who are also part of the Federal Executive, such as the head of Education and Vocational Training, Pilar Alegría, who several people with responsibility in the PSOE place in a position of greater relevance within the party.
They also mention the Minister of Finance and Public Administration, María Jesús Montero, and the spokesperson and Minister of Territorial Policy, Isabel Rodríguez, both with experience in positions of high public exposure.
In any case, the aforementioned sources see “inevitable” both the changes that will be announced in the Federal Committee -which will be “deeper than expected”, according to an important parliamentarian, and a later government crisis that the majority places in September.
This series of remodeling would serve to give the party a boost in the face of the new electoral cycle that begins next spring with the regional and municipal elections, –where the PSOE will have to overcome the latest defeats to maintain important territories– and will continue, just a few months later, with general elections scheduled for late 2023.
