In a context marked by the unprecedented situation currently facing Spanish politics, as the decision on the continuity of President Pedro Sánchez at the helm of the Government is awaited on Monday, Second Vice President Yolanda Díaz has called on the citizens to “defend democracy.” She emphasized that “no one will bend this Government” with a different political viewpoint from the PSOE, the leader of Sumar has advocated for the continuation of the coalition, but urges to “go on the offensive programmatically” to govern “more and better.” The Sumar coordination group, meeting at the Circle of Fine Arts in Madrid, voted in the morning for the party’s Executive, allowing them to strengthen the organic structure of the platform to drive political action. Lara Hernández, former leader of Izquierda Unida, will be responsible for Organization, Ernest Urtasun remains as spokesperson, Elizabeth Duval will handle Communication, and Íñigo Errejón becomes Secretary of Political Analysis and Discourse.
Díaz referred to Sumar as the force that puts the “coalition Government in motion,” seeking to differentiate their profile from the PSOE. She stated that “they want us doing, governing better. They will find us on the programmatic offensive,” in a half-hour long speech without direct mention of Sánchez, although the thread of her argument was the country’s political instability since the President’s letter was published last Wednesday, shortly after a court opened proceedings against his wife, Begoña Gómez, following a complaint from the ultra-right group Manos Limpias. On the same morning as the PSOE Federal Committee meeting and in response to the attacks, the Vice President was harsh on the PP and its leader, Alberto Núñez Feijóo, accusing them of destabilizing the country and the legitimacy of a democratic Government through falsehoods and cynicism.
The new Executive, composed of a wide presence of women and young people with experienced profiles, includes figures like euro-deputy María Eugenia Rodríguez Palop for International and Europe, parliamentarian Lander Martínez for Finance and Technical Secretariat, and Sumar Secretary General in Congress, Txema Guijarro, for Institutional Coordination. The context of the last few days has managed to lower tensions within the group, presenting a united front by gathering ministers and parliamentary spokespersons to convey a message in defense of the Government. The composition of the Executive, with a mix of experienced and new faces, aims to avoid half-heartedness and ensure unity within Sumar. The platform has left seven seats for other parties, with the possibility of up to 25 areas, demonstrating a commitment to collaboration and cohesion.
In her speech, Díaz denounced the deliberate strategy of the right-wing to undermine the Government and democracy, emphasizing the need to move forward on pending debates such as the right to housing, reducing working hours, fiscal reform, and wage increases. The Vice President reiterated the strength of the Government against attacks, stating that they are stronger today than yesterday and pushing for progress on the legislative agenda. The group’s decision to strengthen its organization comes at a critical moment, with ongoing challenges and attacks from various political factions. Sumar’s emphasis on offensive programmatic action indicates a proactive approach to governance and a commitment to advancing the country’s transformation and progress.
