On Sunday, April 6, 2025, Podemos made headlines by officially nominating Irene Montero as a candidate for the upcoming general elections, marking a significant shift in the party's strategy just days before the conclusion of its V Citizen Assembly. During an event titled "For Peace and Against the War Regime" held in Madrid, Ione Belarra, the party's current general secretary, called upon Montero to lead a candidacy that would not only represent Podemos but also unite various sectors of the left, particularly those disenchanted with the current government.
Belarra's request, delivered amid a warm reception from supporters, emphasized the need for a coalition that reaches out to civil society and those frustrated with what she described as a "war regime" under Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez. "I know this is asking a lot, but we are at a critical moment, and only a pacifist, brave woman can undertake the task ahead of us," Belarra stated, referencing the need for a strong left to address Spain's pressing issues.
Montero, who previously served as Minister of Equality and is currently a Member of the European Parliament, accepted the challenge, expressing her commitment to building a political and democratic process centered around a strong left that inspires hope among citizens. "This is the moment to commit," she declared, urging her party and supporters to join her in creating a candidacy focused on peace, hope, and increased rights.
The backdrop of this announcement is a growing rift between Podemos and Movimiento Sumar, a leftist coalition led by Yolanda Díaz. The two parties have been at odds since Podemos broke away from Sumar in December 2023, following disappointing results in the 23-J general elections, where Podemos secured only five of the 31 deputies in the coalition. Since then, Podemos has increasingly distanced itself from Sumar, which it views as a threat to its existence and influence within the leftist political landscape.
In her speech, Montero criticized the government's military spending plans, which amount to over 2 billion euros, questioning why such funds are not allocated to crucial areas like housing and health. She labeled the rearmament as a "robbery on a grand scale," arguing that the funds should be redirected to support the public sector rather than the military-industrial complex. "Where was that money that is now being given so freely to the arms industry for war?" Montero asked, highlighting the need for a reevaluation of national priorities.
Belarra echoed these sentiments, asserting that the current government lacks the courage to confront American vulture funds operating in Spain. She called for their expropriation and removal from strategic sectors, advocating for a form of patriotism that prioritizes the welfare of the Spanish people over foreign interests. "True patriotism is demonstrated by stopping rearmament, withdrawing from NATO, and protecting our strategic sectors," she stated.
Moreover, Belarra and Montero's remarks come in the context of rising tensions surrounding the ongoing war in Ukraine and the European Union's military policies. Both leaders criticized the EU's drift towards militarization, framing it as a continuation of imperialist strategies that benefit only the wealthy elite. Belarra referred to the current geopolitical climate as a war between economic elites, while Montero emphasized that the rearmament plan serves only to enrich a select few while neglecting the needs of ordinary citizens.
The event also featured contributions from Julio Rodríguez, a retired military officer and member of Podemos, who condemned the EU's militaristic approach. He argued that the war is a failure of politics and that reliance on military solutions only leads to further societal harm. Rodríguez's comments reinforced the party's overarching narrative of advocating for peace and opposing the escalating military expenditures.
As Podemos prepares for the upcoming elections, the party's leadership is keenly aware of the challenges ahead. The push for unity among leftist factions is a critical component of their strategy, especially as Sumar has indicated plans to hold primaries to select its own candidate for the presidency. However, the likelihood of a unified front remains uncertain, with both parties appearing to be on divergent paths.
Montero's acceptance of the candidacy signals a commitment to reestablishing Podemos as a key player on the left, with a focus on peace and social justice. "Spain needs a strong left to solve the country's problems," she asserted, reiterating the party's mission to advocate for marginalized groups and prioritize the needs of the people over militaristic ambitions.
The upcoming elections will undoubtedly be a pivotal moment for Podemos and the broader left in Spain, as they navigate their identities and strategies in a rapidly changing political landscape. With Montero at the helm, the party aims to present itself as a distinct alternative to both the current government and its former allies in Sumar, seeking to galvanize support from those who yearn for a more equitable and peaceful Spain.
In conclusion, the nomination of Irene Montero as the candidate for Podemos represents a strategic pivot towards a more inclusive and peace-oriented agenda, one that seeks to resonate with citizens disillusioned by the current political climate. As the election approaches, the party's ability to unify various leftist factions and articulate a compelling vision for the future will be crucial in determining its success in the polls.
