Podemos demands open primaries before Sumar pact

Madrid: Podemos wants an open vote on 14 and 15 October before it agrees to a joint left-wing ticket for Spain’s 29 November election. Irene Montero, a Podemos member of the European Parliament, set out the condition on Monday, 5 October, after Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez called the early election. Montero wants to stand in the vote, known as a primary, to choose who would lead a joint list of candidates.

A vote against the clock

Podemos says the ballot should be open to people across the left. It wants the result to settle which party has the stronger claim to lead, rather than have party officials negotiate places on the list. The party says it will send its proposal to the other parties on Monday, including those linked to Sumar.

The timetable is tight. Election alliances must register by 16 October, while the parties around Sumar plan to launch their Frente Amplio candidacy on 17 October. They have yet to name its leader. Podemos says a primary and an alliance registered on the final day are still possible.

Housing costs take centre stage

For Podemos, the name on a joint ticket matters less than letting people vote on its leader. Montero says the parties can keep talking about a manifesto. She wants the campaign to focus on bringing down housing costs and the price of groceries and fuel.

First, though, the parties must decide whether to accept her proposed vote. Their deadline for forming an alliance comes before Frente Amplio’s planned launch.

Topics: Politics

Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com