Spain’s Left in Turmoil: Podemos Challenges Sumar with Open Primary Proposal

Podemos has shaken up Spain's left-wing politics ahead of the next general election. On Saturday, the party officially named Irene Montero as its leader for the upcoming vote. However, the bigger news was a new proposal designed to take control of the broader left-wing alliance. Podemos is calling for open primaries to choose a single candidate for all parties to the left of the ruling Socialists (PSOE). This means any citizen could vote in the primary, not just party members. The goal is to unite the fractured left under one banner. Montero announced the plan during a speech at a party event. She said she wants a process where "any person who wants to participate can run." She added that the entire team on the electoral lists should be chosen by "all the people who want to participate," not just Podemos members. This move puts pressure on Sumar, the left-wing platform led by Labor Minister Yolanda Díaz. Sumar has spent months delaying the announcement of its new brand and its candidate for the general election. The relationship between the two groups is tense. Podemos broke its alliance with Sumar in December 2023 after internal fighting. Now, Podemos is trying to regain influence by forcing Sumar into a difficult choice. If Sumar accepts the primary proposal, Irene Montero could potentially win and become the top candidate for the entire left. If Sumar refuses, Podemos will accuse them of blocking left-wing unity—a goal Sumar claims to support. Sources from Sumar responded shortly after the announcement. They stated they are "building a common space" and that it is "good news that Podemos understands" this phase. However, they added, "we go step by step." The proposal also targets other left-wing parties, including ERC. However, ERC has already rejected forming a coalition with non-independence parties. For now, Sumar says it remains focused on building the broadest possible front, but the clock is ticking toward the election.