Troubling signs have resurfaced in Spanish politics as former minister and ex-head of Red Eléctrica Jordi Sevilla issued a public call to the Socialists for sweeping change. His manifesto, published earlier this week, delivered a real challenge to the current PSOE leadership. Sevilla doesn’t mince words: he directly accuses the party of losing touch with its voters and claims its current approach is only fueling the rise of the far right.
The document, circulated through the Socialdemocracia 21 platform, levels a pointed accusation: in the author’s view, the Socialists have become captive to small groups and forgotten their own roots. Sevilla insists the party needs an independent, inspiring project that will restore its majority status and once again make it the voice of ordinary citizens.
Identity crisis
Although the manifesto isn’t signed by other prominent figures, its tone and substance speak to a deep sense of disillusionment within the left. Sevilla argues that today, the PSOE resembles more of a hostage to political minorities than an independent force. He urges a return to its origins—to the ideas of the transition period and the Constitution, rather than memories of the Civil War and Franco’s dictatorship.
The text reveals a clear nostalgia for a time when social democracy drove change, rather than being criticized for compromises and concessions. Sevilla appeals not only to party members but also to those who have grown disillusioned, calling for unity in pursuit of a shared future.
A platform for dialogue
Socialdemocracia 21 positions itself as a space for open discussion and the search for new solutions. There is no place here for exclusion or hostility—only for honest dialogue and collective reflection. The initiative’s authors are convinced that politics should serve society as a whole, not just narrow interest groups.
The manifesto emphasizes that only a strong and responsible left-wing party can counter radicalism and preserve national unity. Sevilla calls for the creation of a broad coalition of supporters of democratic values to restore public trust and prevent the far right from fully dominating the political agenda.
A challenge to the leadership
The message’s tone leaves no room for doubt: this is not just criticism, but an open challenge to the current leaders of the PSOE. Sevilla accuses them of losing the ability to listen to people and address society’s real problems. In his view, the party needs a reset to become a force for change again rather than a hostage to political games.
However, it remains unclear whether the manifesto will resonate with the wider public or party activists. Yet its very appearance signals growing discontent within the PSOE, which could lead to significant changes. Spanish politics never stands still—and new surprises may await us ahead.
