After months out of the spotlight, Irene Montero, former Minister of Equality and current Member of the European Parliament for Podemos, appears primed for a return to Spanish politics. Collins between party negotiations and public appearances suggest her ambitions extend beyond her current role.
During the gala of the Asociación de Periodistas Parlamentarios on December 21, Ione Belarra, the leader of Podemos, hinted at Montero's imminent resurgence, saying, "Mucha gente la quería exiliada, donde la tenemos ahora en el Europarlamento, pero me ha pedido que os diga, de su parte, que dentro de muy poco va a volver." The statement alludes to Montero’s intent to lead the party's presidential candidacy, signaling her return to the forefront of Spanish political life.
Since the European elections this past June, Montero has steadily increased her visibility. At the heart of her recent activity is her involvement in negotiations concerning the law on the efficiency of the public justice system, wherein she secured valuable concessions from the government. This week, Montero led discussions with the Minister of the Presidency, Félix Bolaños, on public transport aid and the suspension of evictions for vulnerable populations throughout 2025.
Her growing involvement raises questions about the future dynamics within Podemos and its interactions with the ruling Socialist Party, particularly with upcoming general elections on the horizon. The internal controversies stemming from the last election allocations continue to stoke tensions between Podemos and Yolanda Díaz’s Sumar party.
Despite previously being sidelined by Sumar under Díaz, Montero’s political resurrection reflects both persistent ambitions and strategic necessity. Belarra’s remarks underscoring Montero as "el fusible quemado más vivo de este país" amplify her perceived political value and the necessity of her leadership to reinvigorate the party’s base amid electoral challenges.
Many within the party see Montero's potential candidacy for the presidency as not merely a personal ambition but as pivotal to reclaiming lost influence and legitimate grievances against Sumar. There's talk within Podemos of uniting their efforts under Montero’s banner to reshape their narrative, as Belarra hinted at her intentions to have Montero more involved moving forward.
While some observers noted the increasing distance between Podemos and Sumar, Montero's approach appears geared toward consolidative rather than divisive tactics. Nevertheless, the friction remains palpable, particularly concerning competing narratives around parties' electoral viability and coalition potentials.
Pablo Iglesias, who was pivotal during Podemos’ rise, also backed Montero’s leadership potential. Despite his retreat from direct party leadership positions, Iglesias reportedly intends to support Montero behind the scenes, as he signals to old allies the necessity of reinvigorated strategy focusing on left cohesion against right-wing adversaries.
The dynamics facing Podemos and Sumar are particularly precarious. Irrespective of Montero's influence, the deeply entrenched rivalries alongside some members' reluctance to unify for electoral purposes might hinder Podemos’ ambitions to expand their representation.
Recent polling suggests Podemos is poised for room for growth, with Iglesias asserting on social media, "Podemos pasa de 0 a 11 escaños en menos de un año, según Electomanía." This statement triumphantly echoes hopes within the party—a far cry from its difficulties during past electoral contests against Sumar and Diaz.
Observers of the political scene see Montero’s return as likely to shift conversation focus back to the traditional leftist issues of economic justice and equality. By regularly engaging with both traditional media and social platforms, Montero is reinforcing her presence as she strategizes her political comeback.
A look back at Montero’s tenure reveals she championed initiatives central to gender equality and social rights, making her re-emergence significant for those invested in the leftist agenda. Her re-entry coincides with public grievances surrounding economic inequality and vulnerabilities exacerbated by current policies.
While Montero’s return might encourage some unity and galvanize support, challenges persist from within, particularly from factions resistant to her re-emergence amid longstanding rifts. The setup now is not solely about leadership aspirations but about how Podemos can redefine its positioning against both the Socialist Party and Sumar without the fractures of the past hindering progress.
With Montero set to assume leadership responsibilities, the party's internal dynamics and external political relationships will only intensify. A potential Montero candidacy reflects both ambition and necessity, addressing the urgent calls for stronger representation on the left.
Given the unpredictable nature of Spanish politics, both within Podemos and the wider political spectrum, the significance of Montero's ambitions could very well reshape the future of left-of-center politics as electoral contests loom. The ground beneath the current coalition, marked by internal clashing ideologies and distinct visions, renders this moment particularly poignant for both Montero and Podemos.
