A memorial ceremony for Javier Lambán, the former head of Aragón who passed away in August after a long illness, was held at the Senate in Madrid. The event brought together prominent members of the Socialist Party, who not only reflected on Lambán’s political career but also openly voiced their dissatisfaction with the current direction of the PSOE. In the chamber where the Senate once convened, there were words of support for Lambán’s widow and, at the same time, sharp criticism of the party’s present leadership.
Among the speakers were figures such as Felipe González, Alfonso Guerra, Javier Fernández, and Cándido Méndez. They emphasized that Lambán remained true to his beliefs until the end and was not afraid to go against the party line, especially on issues such as cooperation with independent groups and the adoption of the amnesty law, which has been at the center of heated debate in recent years.
Disagreements within the party and the absence of government representatives
The evening was organized by the Fernando de los Ríos association, but not a single current government member attended the event. The only representative of the federal executive was Anabel Mateos, who serves as Deputy Secretary for Organization and Territorial Coordination. Among regional PSOE leaders, only Emiliano García-Page attended, along with former territorial heads and senators Luis Tudanca and Juan Lobato. Later, the head of the Partido Popular, Alberto Núñez Feijóo, joined the gathering after being delayed by a vote in Congress.
Veteran party members did not hide their disappointment with the current leadership’s policies. Their speeches voiced criticism about the government’s reliance on support from Junts and other independent forces, as well as the absence of a new budget. Special attention was paid to the fact that key decisions now depend on the position of Carles Puigdemont, which many believe undermines the party’s independence.
Lambán’s personality and political principles
Felipe González noted that Lambán was a man of firm convictions, a true European, and a committed social democrat. He admitted that he still cannot come to terms with his passing and has not deleted their correspondence. Recalling Lambán, González emphasized his principled stance and willingness to defend his views, even when they contradicted the party leadership.
Pedro Rollán, the Senate President from the People’s Party, expressed deep respect for Lambán’s memory, calling him one of the best politicians in recent years. He noted that Lambán never clung to positions and always acted with personal integrity. Rollán especially highlighted Lambán’s stance on the amnesty law: his refusal to support the law in the Senate was seen as an act of freedom and loyalty to the Constitution, not a breach of party discipline.
Criticism of political alliances and a look to the future
In his speech, Alfonso Guerra pointed out that Lambán managed to bring together people with diverse political views—from center-left to center-right—at the event. He also expressed regret over the pressure Lambán faced in his final years due to his opposition to Pedro Sánchez’s policies. Guerra noted that in today’s politics, experienced leaders are often pushed aside, and leadership is handed over to those less prepared.
Guerra also touched on the issue of alliances with parties previously considered adversaries. According to him, many socialists find it difficult to accept that Bildu is now an ally rather than an enemy, while PP is viewed as the main opponent. He suggested that even within the People’s Party, there are those who do not understand why PSOE has become the enemy and Vox the friend.
Stance on national issues and equality
Javier Fernández, former president of Asturias, recalled that Lambán had always been wary of the idea of a “plurinational” Spain. He was concerned that such wording could affect public perception of the country and deepen divisions. Cándido Méndez, former head of the UGT union, emphasized that Lambán was a staunch advocate of equality and for this reason criticized agreements with ERC and Junts, seeing them as a threat to the country’s unity.
The evening in memory of Lambán was not only a tribute to the late politician, but also a platform for open discussion about the future of the Socialist Party and Spanish politics as a whole. PSOE veterans made it clear that disagreements within the party remain deep, and issues of alliances and principles still provoke heated debate.
