Elizabeth Duval Leaves Leadership Of Sumar After Key Departure

Elizabeth Duval, the Secretary of Communication for Sumar, has announced her departure from the governing bodies of the political formation, deciding not to run for re-election in the upcoming assembly scheduled for March 29-30, 2025. Her decision comes just a year and a half after joining the team of Deputy Prime Minister Yolanda Díaz as a spokesperson for feminisms, equality, and LGTBIQ+ rights during the 2023 general elections.

In a heartfelt announcement on her social media, Duval expressed, “After a thorough reflection, I have decided not to stand for election and to close my chapter in Sumar’s governing bodies.” This marks a significant moment in her political journey, indicating a departure from her role amid concerns about the direction of Sumar, which is transforming from a coalition of progressive forces into a traditional political party.

Duval's decision echoes a sentiment she’d held since stepping into her role, emphasizing her aspiration to remain an independent voice within a coalition rather than a representative of any single party. “For me, the requirement was to remain independent, not representing a party but a coalition of progressive forces,” she reiterated. Her comments suggest a discomfort with Sumar’s shift away from its original model, which was intended to unite various left-wing organizations into a broader front.

The impending assembly is set to redefine Sumar’s leadership structure, a necessary alteration following disappointing electoral results. The party has faced challenges, including major defeats in several regional elections and a strained relationship with its former coalition partner, Podemos, which left the alliance in late 2023, claiming that Sumar's foundation was an attempt to diminish its influence.

Duval's tenure has had its ups and downs. She participated in significant electoral victories, including the 2023 general elections where Sumar achieved 31 seats, a result that solidified the progressive coalition government. However, she also faced numerous challenges, particularly as the organization grappled with issues of leadership and strategy in the wake of various scandals, notably involving Íñigo Errejón, who resigned due to allegations of sexual harassment, and María Eugenia Rodríguez Palop, who departed after the 2024 European elections.

Reflecting on her time in Sumar, Duval noted both moments of triumph and the stark limitations she encountered within institutional and partisan politics. “The path included joys, like defeating the right and renewing the coalition government, alongside difficult moments that exposed the limitations of institutional and party politics,” she said. These challenges have led her to the decision that her role within the party had reached a natural conclusion.

Yolanda Díaz responded to Duval's announcement with gratitude, stating, “Thank you, dear Elizabeth, for this shared journey and all your hard work and affection.” Díaz reaffirmed her belief that both continue to work together towards building a better country.

The upcoming assembly aims to clarify Sumar’s position and potentially solidify a new direction. As part of this evolving landscape, the assembly will decide on the next steps regarding leadership, and Duval’s absence from the process signifies a pivotal change within the organization.

Despite the changes, Duval remains optimistic about the future of progressive politics in Spain. In her farewell, she stated, “I will continue to contribute from other trenches, with the same determination I always had. Let’s continue meeting as the history is written by those who do not give up.”

As Sumar looks to move forward without such a prominent figure, questions remain about how the organization will navigate its new phase while attempting to maintain its progressive identity and appeal to a broader base. The implications of Duval’s departure could reverberate within the organization and across the broader left spectrum as they grapple with the challenges of cooperation and political identity in a fractured landscape.