PSOE’s Organizing Secretary and party number three, Santos Cerdán, dismissed the idea that poet Luis García Montero might become a PSOE candidate for Madrid City Council, publicly denying such “formations.”
“Man, please. there are no events planned,” he remarked upon arriving at the Federal Political Council, when reporters asked about the speculation that linked Luis García Montero to the Madrid City Council candidacy.
Several socialist sources had floated the idea, but the Organizing Secretary firmly ruled it out in his reply. Yet, the same party insiders indicated they neither confirmed nor rejected the possibility, asserting that the chosen candidate must be someone with a social reach, a proven track record, and the affection of both the public and the party itself. These sources also did not rule out the possibility of a future ministerial post in the Pedro Sánchez government, but they stressed that a candidate has already been identified and that formal notification would come after a period of deliberation.
Meanwhile, PSOE-M general secretary Juan Lobato commented on Friday that the profile of a candidate should be someone who is widely recognized and familiar to Madrid’s residents. He emphasized that the individual does not necessarily have to be a career politician and could come from varied backgrounds, provided they bring leadership and public trust to the campaign.
PSOE postpones Madrid primaries to field a strong challenger against Almeida
PSOE decided to delay the start of the primary process in Madrid with the aim of selecting a formidable candidate capable of challenging the sitting mayor, José Luis Martínez-Almeida of the PP, in the 2023 municipal elections. The move reflects a strategic choice to maximize the party’s chances in a highly contested race across the capital.
The general deadline for submitting applications was initially set for September 19–20, with plans for an initial militancy vote on October 9. However, the party allowed the possibility of postponement upon request to the Federal Executive by September 10. With the requested delay, the presentation window for Madrid City Council candidates shifted from September 19–20 to November 21–22, moving the process roughly two months later than originally scheduled. Consequently, the first round of votes among qualified applicants was postponed from October 9 to December 11.
Despite a climate of silence and uncertainty in the capital, the prevailing trend in the Community of Madrid is that the PSOE’s regional contender will likely be led by Juan Lobato, who is seen as the standard-bearer of Madrid’s socialists in the regional arena. This outlook suggests a strategy focused on consolidating party leadership around a recognizable figure while remaining open to candidates from diverse backgrounds who can resonate with the broader electorate.
Analysts observe that the Madrid campaign cadence reflects broader national dynamics. The party aims to project stability and a capable governance style, emphasizing social cohesion, public services, and transparent leadership. Local analysts note that the delay in the primaries could be used to build a more cohesive, credible ticket that aligns with the expectations of Madrid’s diverse communities, as well as with voters in nearby regions who watch the capital’s political moves closely. The decision also mirrors a broader pattern seen in European social-democratic parties seeking to balance experienced leadership with fresh, nontraditional profiles that can appeal to younger voters and social influencers alike. (Fuente: El País, 2023 update; corroborated by regional political briefings.)