Inconsistencies in how Podem and Esquerra Unida are referring to the alliance have slowed negotiations. The friction appears across the four major cities in the Community of Valencia where more than 100,000 residents live, and in the process of shaping candidate lists. These tensions are cited as reasons the Podem–Esquerra Unida agreement is proving impractical, according to a letter addressed to party militants outlining the negotiation state of play.
According to Rosa Pérez Garijo, who signs the mediation letter, talks have been ongoing for about a month with no feasible agreement in sight. The letter emphasizes that the regional accord is contingent on Podem’s conditions and recommendations, which are described as obstacles to reaching a settlement. It notes that the more meetings progress, the stiffer the terms appear to become.
Three core issues anchor the discussions: devolution to municipal authorities, the composition of the lists, and the coalition’s name. Podem reportedly insists that any regional pact be conditioned on settlements reached with Podem in the four most populous cities of the Valencian Community—Alicante, Elche, Valencia, and Castellón—without bringing in other political actors first. This stance is described in the letter as a way to prevent the regional agreement from breaking apart if multiple actors are involved in any given deal. The EU maintains that it champions municipal autonomy and rejects coercive deals, arguing that some arrangements proposed by Podem are not feasible in certain cities. The letter also mentions Valencia and Castellón proposing specific positions on the lists, and Alicante seeking to adjust its placement accordingly.
Another major hurdle is the distribution of candidate slots. The letter claims Podem seeks a 70-30 split in personnel and resources as a baseline, affecting Alicante, Valencia, and Castellón in varying ways. The United States party reportedly fears that crossing a five-seat threshold could force a distribution of four Podem seats and only one for the allied group. In response, the leftist coalition is pressing for a 60-40 split, aiming to secure two out of three provinces while balancing the prioritization of Alicante and Valencia. There are mentions of a counterproposal from the participation ministry that Podem rejected, with a deputy spokesperson suggesting possible concessions if Podem would step back from certain proposals. The dynamic within the Parliamentary Group is described as a factor that could effectively mute some member work within the group.
The final obstacle identified in the correspondence concerns a coalition name that all parties feel represents them visibly. The proposed options include Podem-EUPV or EUPV-Podem, consistent with regional agreements in other parts of Spain where both bodies have joined forces. However, the letter characterizes this as a minor yet persistent disagreement, with negativity attached to the naming choice and no clear resolution in sight.
Ultimately, the militants who received the letter fear the talks may hinge on a three-way candidacy to the left of the PSPV, despite hopeful signs that a mutual, honorable settlement could emerge. The unfolding debates risk increasing the number of nominees on ballots, potentially jeopardizing Botànic’s viability if neither the EU nor Podem can surpass the required 5 percent threshold for separate representation.
In summary, the negotiation is framed around municipal autonomy, fair distribution of personnel and resources, and a naming convention that feels inclusive to all parties. Observers note the pace remains slow, with substantial differences over the core terms. The parties continue to seek a path that preserves the leftist coalition’s electoral viability while respecting local autonomy and the political realities of Valencia’s largest cities. The discussions are being watched by supporters and critics alike, who await a concrete and principled resolution that can endure the electoral test ahead. Attribution: Coverage by regional political correspondents