Spain faces a new round of political debate as former minister and prominent socialist Jordi Sevilla launches an initiative that could shake up the established order within the PSOE. His manifesto, Socialdemocracia21, is more than just another document—it is an attempt to restore the party’s independence and ideological purity, which Sevilla believes it has lost in recent years. He states openly: the country is at a crossroads, and the socialists are losing support, yielding ground to extremist forces.
Sevilla makes no secret of his disappointment with the current direction of the party leadership. He accuses its leaders of allowing the far-right to gain influence and of weakening socialism by bowing to the demands of minorities. In his view, imitating radical movements will not lead to victory over them—only a strong, democratic alternative can win back public trust.
Criticism and calls for change
The manifesto is an explicit critique of Pedro Sánchez’s policies and his alliances with independence movements. Sevilla emphasizes that many socialists no longer recognize their party, and cooperation with separatists is taking PSOE further from its historical roots. He calls for renewed dialogue with the opposition, particularly the Partido Popular, and a return to classic social democratic principles.
For Sevilla, social democracy is not a relic of the past, but a relevant tool for building a just future. He is convinced that only in this way can the party once again become a force that unites society, rather than divides it.
A platform for dialogue
Socialdemocracia21 presents itself as an open forum for discussion and the search for new solutions. There is no room for exclusion here—only honest dialogue, collective reflection, and the development of proposals aimed at restoring politics to its true purpose: serving the common good. The platform emphasizes the need for dialogue over polarization, arguments over slogans, agreements over deadlocks, and respect for institutions over short-term tactics.
The manifesto is addressed to everyone who identifies as a social democrat, regardless of party affiliation. Its goal is to unite supporters of a strong, democratic left, far from sterile radicalism, and to build a project that inherits the legacy of the transition and the Constitution—not old conflicts.
Response from the authorities and the party
The government did not stand aside from this initiative. The Minister of Industry and Tourism Jordi Hereu called the Seville manifesto ‘completely marginal’ and reminded that Pedro Sánchez holds a leading position in the International Socialist movement. In his view, Sánchez is now the most consistent advocate for social democratic values on the global stage.
At the same time, former head of PSOE’s Madrid branch Juan Lobato saw the Seville initiative as a sign that the party is alive and open to change. He believes such steps point to internal dynamism and a capacity for self-examination.
Openness to discussion
The PSOE leadership has expressed no concerns about potential disagreements. Emma López, responsible for research and programs, emphasized that the party is not afraid of internal dialogue and welcomes Sevilla to participate in the upcoming political conference to present its proposals directly.
Internal party debates are becoming increasingly prominent, and the question of PSOE’s future course is taking center stage. Whether the party will return to its roots or continue along a path of compromise with radical forces remains an open question.
In case you didn’t know, Jordi Sevilla is a Spanish economist and politician who served as Minister of Public Administration in the government of José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero. He is known as a supporter of a moderate approach and a consistent critic of the radicalization of the political agenda. In recent years, Sevilla has been actively involved in public debates, advocating for renewal and a return to the principles of classic social democracy.
