Irene Montero launches candidacy for Podemos in 2027 elections

Irene Montero, a Member of the European Parliament, has formally announced her candidacy for Podemos in the 2027 Spanish general elections. During an event in Madrid, Montero proposed that her candidacy be subject to open primaries involving all citizens, rather than being limited to Podemos members. This move aims to revitalize the party, which currently holds approximately 2.8% in voting intention polls.

The announcement has intensified the debate regarding the future of the Spanish left-wing coalition. While Podemos moves on its own path, the various factions within the Sumar alliance—including Izquierda Unida (IU), Movimiento Sumar, Más Madrid, and Los Comuns—are negotiating their own electoral configuration. There is growing pressure for these groups to decide on a unified electoral formula to prevent fragmentation and maintain a progressive bloc.

Reactions to Montero’s proposal have been mixed. Pablo Iglesias expressed support, calling her ‘the best candidate,’ while other factions, such as IU, have noted that they previously proposed joint primaries and are interested in creating a shared census for all left-wing parties.