Yolanda Díaz leaves Sumar leadership after ‘disaster’ EU elections

5 months ago 35

Spain’s deputy prime minister and Minister of Labour, Yolanda Díaz, announced this Monday ( 10 June), that she was leaving the leadership of the left-wing Sumar platform, a junior partner of the Socialist Party (PSOE/S&D), after the very poor results of Sunday’s European elections, though will she continue in her position as minister.

“It is always our responsibility and in this case, and without a doubt, it is my responsibility. The citizens have spoken and I am going to take charge, it’s for this reason I have decided to leave my position as coordinator of Sumar,” said Díaz in a speech at her party’s headquarters in Madrid.

Sumar only won three seats, the same number as the newly formed far-right party Se Acabó la Fiesta (The Party is Over) led by controversial Alvise Pérez, reported EFE.

Its former ally Podemos, from which it split last year due to strong internal divergences, won 2 seats, out of Spain’s delegation of 61 members of the European Parliament.

Díaz, who had been in office since March of this year when she was ratified in the party’s Constituent Assembly, said she has decided to take a step back, after the dismal results,

“During these months I feel that I have not done the things I should have done, and the things I know how to do best. Citizens have undoubtedly perceived this,” she added.

The Sumar coordinating group will meet in one or two weeks to elect its new general coordinator, EFE reported.

The 80 members that make up the coordinating group will decide Yolanda Díaz’s replacement by a simple majority vote.

The hard political knock Sumar received has opened a deep crisis in the progressive platform, between its various left-wing members.

The Minister of Health, Mónica García, thanked Díaz for her “bravery” for giving up her leadership.

“One step aside to take a step forward. Thank you for your work and your courage, @Yolanda_Diaz_. We have the best Vice President and Minister of Labour to continue championing the best progressive policies. We continue working with more momentum than ever in the government of coalition,” said García on X .

[Edited by Rajnish Singh]