Iván Redondo, the former Chief of Staff to the Spanish Prime Minister, has returned to work for the socialists in the campaign of Salvador Illa after leaving La Moncloa in July 2021. Redondo, who played a decisive role in Illa’s campaign in the 2021 Catalan elections while still in La Moncloa, has returned to work with the former Minister of Health whom he always maintained a good relationship with. Initially, it appears to be a temporary collaboration rather than a return to the core of socialist power, but sources confirm that Pedro Sánchez was aware of and authorized this collaboration. Redondo is an expert in electoral campaigns and had been directing them since he began working with Sánchez in 2017. However, his traumatic departure from La Moncloa in 2021 had removed him from the core of sanchismo and focused him on his private political advisory activities.
Redondo has gradually and discreetly approached sanchismo again, particularly maintaining his relationship with Illa, who ultimately asked him to collaborate as he did in 2021. Illa has sought to keep this collaboration secret, with only the name of his campaign director, Lluisa Moret, officially announced. Various socialist sources confirm that Redondo’s role, although discreet, was decisive in a campaign that achieved a resounding success with 42 seats. Illa’s strategy focused on constructive issues of management, differing from the usual polarization seen in Spanish politics. This approach attracted socialist voters while also reducing support for the independence movement, preventing them from gaining a majority for the first time since 1980.
The political success achieved, not only by Illa but also by Pedro Sánchez, signals a significant endorsement of their policies in Catalonia. It marks a definitive end to the Catalan independence movement, a crucial goal for these elections. The possibility of returning to power in Catalonia comes as a much-needed positive development for the socialists, particularly amidst their recent setbacks in regional elections and the loss of Andalusia. Redondo’s peak contribution was seen in the February 2021 Catalan elections post-pandemic, where Illa’s narrow victory failed to translate into governance. Nonetheless, Illa credited Redondo and his team for their efforts in his win.
Redondo’s involvement in Illa’s Catalan campaign hints at a potential return to Sánchez’s inner circle, from which he was abruptly ousted in 2021. While no formal agreements have been made for future campaigns, Redondo’s discreet return signifies a possible comeback. His confrontations with influential sectors of the PSOE had led to pressures on Sánchez to limit his power, although the leader maintained Redondo’s significant role until his sudden dismissal in July 2021. The fallout from the Madrid regional elections in May 2021, where the socialists faced a major setback, also played a crucial role in Redondo’s downfall.
Redondo’s return for Illa’s campaign opens the door to a reunion with Sánchez’s inner circle, marking a discreet yet significant comeback for the former Chief of Staff. While his role in future campaigns remains uncertain, Redondo’s expertise in electoral strategy and his pivotal contributions in the recent Catalan elections have once again highlighted his influence within the socialist party. The collaboration between Redondo and Illa reflects an alignment of strategies focused on constructive governance and a departure from polarizing tactics, potentially signaling a new direction in Spanish politics under the leadership of Sánchez and his key advisors.
