Izquierda Unida is preparing for a showdown at the Assembly that will determine the succession of Alberto Garzón as the leader of the party on May 18th and 19th. Divided into four candidacies, the party is heading into the meeting in an atmosphere of confrontation, especially between the list headed by the Minister of Youth and Childhood, Sira Rego, and the former Andalusian leader Antonio Maíllo. The new leadership, which will be in charge of piloting the organization for the next four years, will have to tackle the debate on the future relationship with Sumar.
After weeks of more or less discreet negotiations, the contacts have come to light in recent days, with cross accusations and a last-minute offer from the minister for a four-way meeting that ended on Monday without an agreement. Maíllo announced the presentation of his candidacy just before the deadline for registration of candidates, despite Rego’s proposal for a united list and a co-leadership model. The majority is not clear in the internal struggle, with Maíllo having the support of the Spanish Communist Party leadership, the Andalusian federation, and part of the Asturian faction.
Rego’s candidacy, the only woman running for the federal coordination of IU, has the support of Garzón’s team and includes a mix of young profiles, municipal representatives, and unionists. Differences not only exist over organizational structures, but also political models and the relationship with Sumar, despite sharing the same political document that will be presented at the Assembly. Both sides acknowledge the need for unity and dialogue post-elections to potentially form a coalition and avoid inheriting an ungovernable IU.
The voting by the party membership will take place between May 7th and 12th, with the results to be announced on the 14th. In the current fragmented scenario, it is likely that candidates will continue negotiating post-results to form a broad agreement that selects a new leader and defines the next direction of the party. The internal divisions and power struggles within IU highlight the challenges the party faces in maintaining unity and coherence in its political agenda and approach.
