A group of socialist militants in Andalusia, known as Bases Andaluzas Socialistas, have launched a manifesto aimed at creating an alternative to the current Secretary General of the Andalusian PSOE, Juan Espadas. The group has no leader as of yet, and their manifesto outlines their dissatisfaction with the recent electoral losses suffered by the PSOE in Andalusia, including the worst results in the party’s history in various elections since 2022. They highlight the need for a radical transformation within the party to address these losses and inefficiencies.
The manifesto, signed by eight militants from each province, emphasizes the desire for an autonomous and loyal party in Andalusia that can generate independent leadership and policies while remaining aligned with the federal project of the PSOE. Despite their critiques, the group does not mention Juan Espadas directly in their document, deeming it unnecessary. They argue that the attempted renewal process within the Andalusian PSOE in 2021 has failed, leading to a party that is increasingly divided and lacking in effectiveness as an opposition force against the PP.
One notable signature on the manifesto is that of former Torremolinos mayor José Ortiz, who initially supported Susana Díaz, then endorsed Espadas in the primaries against Díaz, and now supports this new initiative. While the group lacks prominent names beyond the local level, it is hinted that former Andalusian Parliament president Juan Pablo Durán and former regional vice president Manuel Jiménez Barrios, who were close collaborators of Susana Díaz, may also be involved in the movement. The group asserts that its members come from various factions within the PSOE, aiming to unite in their dissatisfaction with the current state of the party.
With the PSOE congresses approaching and the looming decision of whether Espadas will run for re-election as Secretary General and candidate for the regional presidency, the Bases Andaluzas Socialistas stress their commitment to respecting the party’s internal processes. They plan to wait until after the federal congress before taking further action, separating their support for Pedro Sánchez from their criticisms of the Andalusian leadership. Despite their intentions to push forward with their proposals, the group currently lacks a clear leader to challenge Espadas in the upcoming party elections.
The group’s vision for a transformed PSOE in Andalusia, outlined in the manifesto, aims to address the party’s recent electoral setbacks and internal divisions. They advocate for a renewed focus on the needs of Andalusia while maintaining loyalty to the broader PSOE project. As they prepare to present their proposals to party members, their ultimate goal is to bring about significant changes within the Andalusian PSOE, positioning themselves as a critical voice for reform within the party.
