Movimiento Sumar faces a leadership shakeup after Lara Hernández's resignation. Several deputies and senior officials exit, leaving the party's future uncertain. The crisis comes amid coalition talks and poor electoral results.
Movimiento Sumar is facing its most turbulent period since its creation, as a wave of high-profile resignations has left the party's leadership in flux just days before a crucial assembly. The departure of Lara Hernández, who had served as the party's coordinator, marks the latest escalation in a months-long internal conflict that has already seen two resignations and an internal investigation. Hernández, who was appointed secretary of Organization in 2024 with the backing of Yolanda Díaz, announced she was leaving all her posts and quitting the party, citing what she described as a campaign of discredit and false accusations against her.
The fallout from Hernández's exit has been immediate and far-reaching. Alongside her, several prominent figures will not continue in the party's new leadership phase. These include Yolanda Díaz herself, the party's founder and Spain's second deputy prime minister, as well as four deputies: Txema Guijarro, Agustín Santos Maraver, Carlos Martín, and Manuel Lago. Senior government officials such as Joaquín Pérez Rey, Amparo Merino, and Fabio Cortese are also stepping aside. The new executive will be led by Verónica Barbero, the party's spokesperson in Congress, and Rosa Martínez, the number two in Social Rights, with Ernest Urtasun, Minister of Culture, remaining a central figure.
The new leadership list, set to be presented at the assembly on the 11th, includes other parliamentary figures like Lander Martínez, Esther Gil, Viviane Ogou, and Laura Vergara, as well as MEP Estrella Galán and regional leaders such as Esperanza Gómez (Andalucía), Paulo Carlos López (Galicia), and Alba García Martín (Euskadi). The candidacy, running under the name Sumar para gobernar, also features experts in housing and energy, including Javier Burón and Fernando Ferrando, and current secretary of Feminisms and LGTBIQA+, Amanda Andrades. According to sources close to the candidacy, the goal is to build a strong organization capable of supporting the coalition government and advancing a solid political project.
Despite these changes, the internal crisis shows no sign of abating. Hernández's resignation, which she attributes to a smear campaign, has not resolved the underlying tensions. The party has struggled with poor results in both regional and European elections since 2024 and now faces the challenge of lacking a clear leader after Díaz's departure. Its limited territorial presence further complicates its prospects for survival. The timing of the upheaval is particularly sensitive, as Sumar is in the midst of forming a new coalition for the general elections with Izquierda Unida, Comuns, and Más Madrid. Negotiations are reportedly strained, especially regarding alliances for the Madrid regional assembly, where Mónica García's party remains wary of joining forces with others.
Adding to the uncertainty, the closure of the internal investigation into Hernández has left unresolved questions. The probe, initiated by six senior party officials critical of Hernández's leadership, centered on alleged workplace harassment involving six employees. According to those involved, the process was halted after complainants refused to proceed, citing a lack of procedural guarantees. As a result, the commission closed the case without addressing the substance of the allegations. However, sources indicate that the Labour Inspectorate is still examining at least one related case.
This leadership crisis in Movimiento Sumar echoes broader instability seen in other Spanish political parties in recent years. For example, tensions within PSOE over leadership and coalition strategies have also made headlines, as highlighted in a recent report on internal disputes erupting during PSOE's primary race in Madrid. Such developments underscore the challenges facing Spain's left-wing parties as they navigate coalition politics, internal divisions, and shifting voter support.
Movimiento Sumar was established in 2023 by Yolanda Díaz to unite her allies within the broader Sumar coalition for the general elections. Since then, the party has struggled to establish a strong territorial base and has faced repeated internal disputes. The current crisis raises questions about its ability to remain a relevant force in Spanish politics, especially as coalition negotiations intensify ahead of the next general election. The outcome of the upcoming assembly and the party's ability to stabilize its leadership will be critical in determining its future role within Spain's evolving political landscape.
