A sharp political conflict is unfolding within the Extremadura branch of the Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party (PSOE). Following disastrous results in the recent elections, the head of Cáceres province, Miguel Ángel Morales, has publicly demanded the immediate resignation of the regional socialist leader, Miguel Ángel Gallardo. Morales contends that Gallardo bears direct responsibility for the party’s historic drop in support.
In the recent elections, PSOE lost ten seats in the regional parliament, and the number of votes for the socialists has decreased by more than one hundred thousand. While in 2023 the party, led by Guillermo Fernández Vara, won 28 seats, it now holds just 18. Its share of the vote has fallen from 39.9% to 25.7%. This marks the worst result for the socialists in Extremadura in recent decades.
A call for change
Morales did not hide his disappointment and stated that the party needs urgent changes. In his view, none of those involved in the debacle should take part in finding a way out of the crisis. He insists on forming a temporary leadership and a complete overhaul of PSOE’s regional branch. Morales emphasized that voters have made their position on Gallardo’s candidacy clear, and the party must acknowledge its mistakes.
Gallardo took over the regional branch of the PSOE in March 2024 and became the party’s candidate for president of Extremadura, despite an ongoing investigation into alleged abuse of power. Specifically, the probe concerns the possible employment of a relative of the head of government in the Badajoz administration. After the election results were announced, Gallardo did not rule out resigning and called an emergency meeting of the party’s regional leadership.
Internal party reaction
Tensions are running high among Extremadura’s socialists. Even before the elections, many members voiced concerns that the PSOE could lose a significant number of seats. The results confirmed their worst fears: not only did the socialists lose ground, but their influence in the regional parliament is now minimal.
In 2023, Guillermo Fernández Vara technically secured a victory, winning the same number of seats as the Partido Popular (PP), but was unable to form a government due to a PP and Vox coalition. The latest defeat under Gallardo’s leadership has prompted many within the party to call for immediate change.
The future of the PSOE in Extremadura
The question of future leadership for the regional PSOE remains unresolved. Morales and his supporters are demanding a complete overhaul of the leadership and the creation of a temporary management structure. They believe this is the only way for the party to regain voters’ trust and begin the process of recovery.
In the coming days, sharp debates are expected to continue within the party, with the possibility of new calls for reform. Despite mounting pressure, Gallardo has not yet made a definitive statement about his resignation, but the situation is evolving rapidly. In Extremadura, the socialists are now faced with the need to rethink their strategy and personnel policies in order to avoid losing their remaining influence in the region.
