Sumar Demands Change Amidst Growing Tensions with PSOE Over Corruption Allegations

Sumar is expressing deep dissatisfaction with the PSOE's handling of recent corruption allegations and sexual harassment claims against leaders of the socialist party. The coalition partners have been warned that merely governing to resist these issues, without implementing significant changes, could inadvertently empower the far-right party Vox. A critical meeting requested by Sumar with the PSOE is set to occur this Friday, involving key political leaders from Sumar's coalition, including representatives from IU and Más Madrid, alongside Rebeca Torró, the PSOE's secretary of organization. According to sources from Sumar, the coalition government is currently in its most precarious situation since its inception following the 2023 elections. They assert the urgent necessity for profound changes, both politically and formally, and that a reshuffle of the Executive is essential. Although Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has already dismissed the possibility of a reshuffle, Yolanda Díaz's team remains hopeful that it will ultimately happen. They believe that it is the last option left for the socialists after making changes within their party over the past summer. For Sumar, stagnation is simply not an option. They caution that the PSOE's current approach of resistance is merely feeding Vox, allowing Santiago Abascal's party to gain an upper hand and posing a significant threat of political collapse. Thus, they stress the importance of taking action and enacting changes promptly. Despite these tensions, Sumar has ruled out the possibility of changing their ministers or leaving the government altogether, emphasizing that their leadership is not directly involved in the corruption crisis. They also clarify that calling for early elections is not within their control, as it remains a prerogative of Sánchez, who himself does not foresee such a scenario. The current climate has become increasingly concerning for Sumar since last July, particularly following the indictment of the former PSOE secretary of organization, Santos Cerdán, related to the Koldo case. At that time, Sumar had proposed several measures aimed at combating corruption, leading to follow-up discussions on their coalition pact. The requests being made to the PSOE at this point have been collectively agreed upon by all factions within the Sumar coalition. However, Antonio Maíllo, the leader of IU, has indicated that his party is more inclined towards prioritizing the meeting with the PSOE over the notion of reshuffling the government. For Sumar, a government reshuffle would provide a necessary boost to the Executive and could rejuvenate efforts as the current legislative term progresses. They highlight the importance of accompanying any reshuffle with significant political and programmatic changes, reminding their coalition partners of the pressing social and economic issues they have already put on the table, particularly concerning access to housing. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2