Podemos Starts Its Assembly with a Call for Leftist Unity
Podemos is currently holding its V Citizen Assembly, a crucial event that is seeing Ione Belarra re-elected as General Secretary. According to Paula Chouza (2024), this assembly is solidifying Irene Montero's role as a key electoral figure, focused on building a candidacy «against rearmament».
As the assembly unfolds, Podemos is navigating a challenging period, holding only four seats in Congress. This occurs against a backdrop of international instability, marked by Donald Trump's return to the White House, which has prompted significant shifts in European politics. The assembly is not only reaffirming the current leadership but also mapping out Podemos's strategy for the upcoming electoral cycle, where Irene Montero is emerging as a prominent candidate for the general elections.
Montero's Stance: A Call to Action for the PSOE
Irene Montero, in her statements, is confidently and directly addressing the core issues, particularly criticizing Sumar despite advocating for a pacifist approach. The debate around unity is once again taking center stage as she insists that the Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE) needs to actively participate in forging a unified leftist front.
«The PSOE needs to do its part to ensure there is a left-wing candidacy,» Montero stated, highlighting the necessity for a cohesive strategy to counter the rightward drift in Spanish politics. She emphasizes that only a strong, united left can effectively challenge the prevailing conservative influences, even when not in direct government control.
The Imperative of a Strong Left
Montero argues that building a robust left-wing movement requires time and dedication. She points out that progressive voices within Spain, including elements within the PSOE, have often criticized leftist initiatives, such as protests and demonstrations, hindering the advancement of rights. She is now emphasizing that humanity is facing unprecedented crises, and the decisions made internationally will significantly impact future generations. Therefore, the mission is to foster not just a candidacy but a powerful force for peace.
In this context, the assembly is laying out a clear roadmap for Spain to reclaim a potent left-wing presence in governance. This vision entails autonomy from established powers, the capacity to negotiate with the PSOE, and the resolve to avoid subordination.
Podemos's Resilience and Future Trajectory
Acknowledging the party’s current vulnerabilities, Montero reflects on the cyclical nature of political movements. She admits that transformative political forces experience phases of struggle, triumph, decline, and resurgence. Despite recent setbacks, Podemos is committed to rising again, leveraging its past achievements to become an even more influential force in the coming decade. According to Ediciones EL PAÍS S.L. (2024), Podemos is setting its sights on constructing a peace-oriented candidacy that opposes rearmament and champions the advancement of rights.
Defense and European Strategy
Addressing the question of European defense, Montero acknowledges the need for coordinated military efforts within Europe, a stance Podemos has historically supported. However, she criticizes the current trend of increasing military spending at the expense of social welfare programs. She frames this strategy as compliance with directives from figures like Donald Trump and Mark Rutte within NATO, rather than genuine strategic autonomy. According to Montero, defending peace is now the most critical political task, as escalating conflicts could lead to direct confrontations between nuclear powers. She insists that advocating for peace also means defending public services and environmental protection.
Montero also addresses past decisions made during Unidas Podemos's tenure in government, during which defense budgets saw significant increases. She clarifies that Podemos consistently opposed these increases and the sending of arms to Ukraine. These disagreements, along with feminist legislation, triggered significant governmental crises, ultimately leading to the PSOE's decision to remove Podemos from the government through what she terms «Operation Sumar.»
Economic Sovereignty and NATO
In response to potential tariffs from the United States, Montero suggests radical economic measures, including the expropriation of vulture funds' housing assets in Spain, invoking Article 128 of the Constitution, which prioritizes the general interest. She also proposes seizing these funds' stakes in major strategic companies, citing Blackrock's significant holdings in Spanish banks and energy firms. Additionally, she advocates for Spain's withdrawal from NATO to avoid compliance with its military objectives.
The Future of Left-Wing Unity
Montero elaborates on the conditions necessary for a unified left-wing candidacy, emphasizing that both Podemos and the PSOE must contribute to this effort. She envisions a scenario where the PSOE unites with sectors currently outside the party, allowing for a dual presentation in elections—the PSOE on one side and a broader left-wing coalition on the other.
According to El País (2024), Montero challenges the notion that Sumar is actively seeking alliances with other left-wing parties. She asserts that the core issue facing the left is fundamentally political and cannot be resolved merely through discussions about unity. The «Operation Sumar» has, in her view, undermined the transformative potential of the left, leading to her call for the PSOE to consolidate with ideologically aligned sectors.
Critique of Sumar and Future Electoral Prospects
Montero characterizes Sumar as a «docile» left, questioning their commitment to challenging the PSOE on critical issues such as labor reforms. She contrasts Sumar's approach with what she believes is necessary—a willingness to take bold, sometimes unpopular stances to effect real change.
Regarding Yolanda Díaz’s future electoral participation, Montero refrains from direct commentary, acknowledging the internal challenges within Sumar. Addressing past grievances, she dismisses the idea of harboring resentment over her exclusion from previous electoral lists, focusing instead on the imperative of creating a better world for future generations.
Looking ahead, Podemos aims to collaborate with all sectors that champion peace, oppose rearmament, and strive for the advancement of rights, including Izquierda Unida. The success of these alliances, particularly in upcoming elections, will depend on the ability to revitalize the left-wing movement in Spain.
Internal Party Matters and Ethical Stance
Discussing the accusations against Juan Carlos Monedero, Montero emphasizes the party's commitment to addressing sexual violence. She affirms that Podemos acted decisively in response to the allegations, prioritizing the protection of victims and ensuring safe spaces within the party.
Finally, Montero addresses the controversy surrounding María Jesús Montero’s retraction after questioning the presumption of innocence in a sexual assault case. She argues that the fundamental issue is the presence of sexist and reactionary judges who are undermining the right to sexual freedom. She criticizes the PSOE's response as inadequate, advocating for judicial reform rather than mere apologies.
