The preparation of the list for the European elections has opened an unprecedented crisis within Sumar. After disagreements over the distribution of positions, which ultimately relegates Izquierda Unida to fourth place on the ballot, the party to which the Minister of Youth and Childhood, Sira Rego, belongs, has decided to postpone the decision on whether to accept the offer from Yolanda Díaz’s team until after the Basque elections on April 21st. The party is currently in the process of selecting a successor to Alberto Garzón, and has agreed to share all information about the proposed agreement with its territories for further discussion before a vote at its Federal Coordinating Committee, which will meet the week following the Basque elections. The importance of the European elections for the Spanish people and the need for a transformative left-wing presence in the European Parliament is emphasized in a statement released by IU.
Discontent within IU has been evident in recent hours, with territorial leaders considering the current situation a breaking point for Sumar. Tensions reached their peak on Thursday when Sumar confirmed a pre-agreement with Compromís, granting the third position on the list to the Valencian coalition, despite Izquierda Unida’s aspirations for that spot or even the second position. Negotiations also resulted in Más Madrid securing the fifth place on the list. There is speculation that Sumar may only secure four seats in the upcoming elections. IU, along with Equo, is the only federal and territorially widespread formation within Sumar, emphasizing its historical representation in Europe, as well as its ability to ensure poll workers nationwide. The team behind Vice President Yolanda Díaz has faced criticism for prioritizing other parties over IU in recent decisions.
The upcoming European elections in June are crucial not only in the face of a rising far-right in Europe, but also as a test for Yolanda Díaz’s leadership within Sumar. With Podemos, led by Irene Montero, focusing its efforts on these elections after being excluded from the government, tensions within Sumar are heightened. Concerns have also been raised about the impact of recent internal conflicts on the Basque campaign. Pablo Iglesias has spoken out against the division within the left-wing space, but also expressed confidence in Podemos’ ability to gain momentum and bring about change. As the campaign intensifies, the future of Sumar and the positioning of its member parties remain uncertain.
The divisions within Sumar pose a challenge for the left-wing coalition as it navigates a complex European political landscape. The difficulties in reaching agreements and the disagreements over positions within the alliance have raised concerns about the effectiveness of the coalition in the upcoming European elections. The internal struggles within IU and its relationship with other member parties could potentially impact the outcome of the elections and the overall direction of the left-wing movement in Spain. As the election date approaches, the future of Sumar and its ability to present a united front in the face of growing right-wing populism remains uncertain.
