The PSOE has confirmed that Teresa Ribera will be the candidate in the European elections on June 9. She will be the third woman to run with the socialist party. The party’s federal committee will approve her appointment on Saturday. La Moncloa and Ferraz are counting on Ribera’s environmental discourse and her position as a heavyweight in the government to attract a diverse range of voters concerned about climate change. The PSOE aims to appeal to young, urban voters as the only ecologically responsible party with government experience, in contrast to the ambiguity of the PP and the climate change denial of Vox.
The strong showing of the PSE in the Basque elections has delayed Ribera’s confirmation, which was expected at the federal executive meeting on Monday. The government hopes to leverage this success in Catalonia, where Salvador Illa is expected to win decisively. However, Sánchez and Ribera have larger goals: they envision Ribera becoming a commissioner in the next European Commission, overseeing strategic portfolios such as Environment and Energy. Her role in resolving the energy crisis caused by dependence on Russian gas has garnered her reputation in Brussels. The PSOE sees her potential appointment as a statement against the rise of far-right extremism in Europe.
The government will propose Ribera as commissioner at the end of June. Her selection will depend on the influence of the far-right and the balance of power within European political families. The PSOE aims to reduce the gap with the PP and establish a presence amidst the fragmentation of Podemos and Sumar. The pending appointment underscores the importance of the European elections in advancing environmental policies and countering the agenda of far-right parties like Vox. The PSOE is expected to provide the largest number of seats to the social democratic bloc in the European Parliament.
Ribera’s nomination represents a shift from technical expertise to a more political role within the government. Sánchez has been a committed environmentalist since his time as a regular deputy. He inherited the spotlight on climate change from Cristina Narbona, former Minister of Environment and current PSOE president. Ribera’s contributions to environmental policies have bolstered the party’s platform and its progressive agenda. As a potential commissioner, Ribera will advocate for green policies at the EU level, aligning with Sánchez’s longstanding commitment to the environment.
Sánchez initially considered Ribera for the role before exploring other candidates like Josep Borrell. Ribera’s nomination will necessitate a cabinet reshuffle, as she has been a minister since Sánchez assumed office in 2018. Her departure will create a vacancy in a critical ministry. The upcoming European elections will be a test for the PSOE and its vision for environmental policy in a changing European landscape. Ribera’s candidacy represents a strategic move to position the PSOE as a leading voice in the fight against climate change and to counter the far-right’s agenda in Europe.
