Lydia del Canto, the Valencia journalist known for her extensive experience in communication, has officially been appointed as the new Secretary of State for Communication, taking over from Ion Antolín, who departed from the role due to health issues. This transition was confirmed on Monday during the last Council of Ministers meeting of the year.
The swift change at the top of the communication department highlights the tumultuous nature of political communication within the Spanish government. Del Canto, previously serving as the chief of staff to Diana Morant, the Secretary General of the PSPV-PSOE, brings significant experience to the role, having led various media initiatives and served as the communication director of the PSPV-PSOE.
Ion Antolín, who had been appointed to the role just three weeks prior on December 3, announced via social media his inability to fulfill the responsibilities of Secretary of State due to health reasons. He stated, "El cuerpo lleva la cuenta, el mío ha dicho que para, y yo solo puedo hacerle caso," which translates to, "My body keeps track, and mine has said to stop, and I can only listen to it." He expressed intentions to return to the PSOE communication team once he recovers, reinforcing his commitment to the party.
Before his brief tenure, Antolín had extensive experience, including roles as the communication chief for the PSOE and director of various educational communication programs. His foray back to Moncloa came after significant changes post the 41st Federal Congress of the PSOE, reflecting the party's efforts to fortify communication channels between the central administration and their party headquarters.
Stepping up to fill Antolín’s shoes is Lydia del Canto, who rose to prominence within media and political communication circles. Initially appointed as the Director of Communication for the PSPV-PSOE in 2014, she made headlines as the first woman to lead the Levante-EMV newspaper from 2018 to 2022. Her prior roles also included contributing significantly to the communications strategy of the Generalitat Valenciana under former President Ximo Puig.
Del Canto's academic background includes journalism and audiovisual communication from the Universitat de València, specializing in digital journalism and political communication. She worked extensively within Prensa Ibérica and various national and regional media, making her well-versed in the nuances of both print and digital communications.
Morant, now leading the PSPV-PSOE, had appointed Del Canto as her chief of staff earlier this year, highlighting her trust and confidence in Del Canto’s capabilities during challenging political times. The transition to new leadership aims to navigate complex political waters for the PSOE amid current challenges, including recent controversies surrounding leaked communications involving key party figures.
This appointment not only reflects the government's responsiveness to sudden changes but also shines light on the need for innovative and effective communication strategies, especially with the looming electoral deadlines. Del Canto’s familiarity with digital platforms and her background suggests she is poised to modernize the party’s communication efforts to meet current demands.
Antolín's resignation marks the urgency of addressing health concerns within political communications, serving as a reminder of the human element behind public service roles. His acknowledgment of these challenges opens the door for discussions about the pressures faced by public officials and the importance of prioritizing health and well-being.
With this appointment, Del Canto will not only steer the communication strategies for the PSOE but also shape the narratives surrounding the current administration as it seeks to align its efforts with public expectations and media scrutiny. The coming months will reveal how her leadership impacts the government’s messaging, particularly as the PSOE navigates through contentious political landscapes and prepares for future challenges.
Overall, Lydia del Canto’s ascension as Secretary of State for Communication marks the beginning of what many hope will be a reinvigorated approach to engaging with the public and the media, solidifying the PSOE's communication strategies during tumultuous times.
