In the Valencian Community, Podemos faces a pivotal moment as the party presents two alternative slates for the upcoming leadership selection. One group within Podem Militancia PV questions the process, accusing it of a lack of impartiality and pointing to direct involvement by the national party’s executive in the Citizens’ Assembly that will determine the regional leadership. They specifically reference active support from senior party figures, signaling intra-party tensions that could influence the vote and the post-election trajectory of Podemos in the region. Maria Teresa Perez is identified as the official candidate intended to be appointed regional coordinator to replace Pilar Lima, a move that further clarifies the line of succession for the Valencian leadership.
During the current campaign, notable public appearances have featured high-profile Podemos figures. This week, former minister and education leader Ione Belarra campaigned alongside Perez in Alicante, underscoring the alliance between national and regional cadres as they seek to mobilize support ahead of the vote. On Friday, Irene Montero is scheduled to attend a rally with Maria Teresa Perez, who previously served as director general of the Youth Institute between 2020 and 2023 and is now aiming to head Podemos in the Valencian Community. Montero herself is cited as a candidate on the slate contesting the primary, with Perez from Alicante also listed among the candidates on that suburban and regional list. Such appearances highlight the strategic importance of the Valencian race within the broader Podemos federation and its electoral ambitions at national and European levels.
As the campaign unfolds, the party continues to operate at a brisk pace, aiming to consolidate support and build bridges across urban and rural constituencies. The ballot boxes are scheduled to remain open until February 1, after which the results will be announced to determine who will take on the coordination role and who will constitute the Autonomous Citizens’ Council. Three candidates are officially contending in this process: Maria Teresa Perez, the Podem Militancia PV candidate who has raised concerns about the process and is led by architect Agustin Perez and Gent de Podem, under the leadership of Arantxa Torres. Attempts were made to align the two alternative lists before voting began, but those efforts did not succeed, leaving the field divided and the path forward for Podemos in the Valencian Community uncertain. The unfolding dynamic underscores the broader challenges Podemos faces as it refines its regional leadership, aligns its federal and regional directions, and positions itself for future regional and national campaigns. The outcome will have implications for how Podemos projects its policy agenda, coordinates with allied groups, and engages with voters across diverse communities in the region. [Source: party communications and regional press coverage]