Darío Villagrasa, former number two to Javier Lambán, has announced his candidacy for the Secretary General of the PSOE in Aragón, positioning himself as a potential successor to the current leader. At a well-attended event, Villagrasa emphasized principles of unity, conciliation, and the need for a “new era” in the party. In addition to aspiring to lead the PSOE in the region, he also aims to become the next president of the autonomous community, with a focus on regaining control in Aragón and the many municipalities lost in previous elections. Despite not directly mentioning Minister Pilar Alegría, Villagrasa made it clear that his candidacy is not driven by confrontation or division, but by a commitment to socialist values such as freedom and unity.
The 32-year-old candidate highlighted the importance of initiating a dialogue about a new party model, one that moves away from past practices characterized by sectarianism, polarization, insults, and negative rhetoric. Villagrasa is determined to foster an environment where all party members are respected, emphasizing the need to avoid denigrating or disqualifying any colleague, regardless of their position. He believes that this is a moment for unity, urging the party’s grassroots to move beyond past internal conflicts, bridge gaps between different viewpoints, and overcome provincial divisions, such as the divide between supporters of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez in Huesca and Pilar Alegría’s candidacy.
Villagrasa stressed the importance of inclusivity within the party, stating that there is a need for more individuals to come together and build a strong alternative. He emphasized that the real ideological battle, the clash of ideas, and the debate of arguments will take place with the opposition party, the Partido Popular. Rejecting the attacks from the political right against the current government and its institutional figures, Villagrasa advocated for a “revolution of respect” in contrast to the prevalent noise and polarization in political discourse.
Overall, Villagrasa’s platform focuses on promoting a more positive and constructive approach within the PSOE, centered on values of respect, unity, and progressive ideals. He aims to lead the party in Aragón towards a path of renewal, emphasizing the need to leave behind past grievances and focus on building a stronger, more unified movement. Villagrasa’s candidacy represents a call for a more inclusive and respectful political culture, encouraging party members to come together, set aside differences, and work towards a common goal of regaining political power in the region.
