Changes in the Leadership of Spain’s PP Ahead of the XXI National Congress
The leader of the People’s Party (PP) , Alberto Núñez Feijóo, is making significant changes to his team ahead of the XXI National Congress scheduled for this weekend in Madrid . Sources within the party indicate that Miguel Tellado, the current Parliamentary spokesperson, is being considered as the new General Secretary of the PP.
Cuca Gamarra, who has served as General Secretary since the party’s congress in April 2022 that followed the departure of Pablo Casado , confirmed her decision to leave this role. She will, however, continue to participate in the party’s leadership committee likely overseeing the area of justice . In a recent press conference, Gamarra emphasized the necessity of adapting the party structure to address the forthcoming challenges, especially in light of the serious allegations of corruption surrounding the Socialist Party (PSOE) .
“It plays relief and I ask for relief,” Gamarra stated while asserting her ongoing commitment to the party, declaring herself a “party woman.” She noted that her focus should be on contributing to the party in ways that serve Spain and democracy rather than personal egos.
The Rise of Miguel Tellado
With Gamarra’s exit, speculation mounts regarding Miguel Tellado’s appointment as General Secretary. Having served as the Vice Secretary of Organization since Feijóo’s election in April 2022, Tellado is seen as a loyal confidant of Feijóo. His previous role as the General Secretary of the Galician PP from 2016 to 2022—along with his credible standing in the party—positions him as number two in the PP hierarchy.
When queried about the potential for this new role, Tellado chose to sidestep the question, drawing attention instead to the Supreme Court’s request for “prison without bail” for Santos Cerdán, the former number three of the PSOE. Tellado described this development as a “dantesque image for Spanish democracy” and called for elections led by Pedro Sánchez.
Emerging Party Figures
While Feijóo remains tight-lipped about future appointments, emerging figures within the PP, such as Ester Muñoz , currently the Vice Secretary of Health and Education, are gaining traction. Sources suggest she could replace Tellado as the new spokesperson for the popular group in Congress .
Additionally, Alma Ezcurra , an MEP and coordinator for Reformism 21, has emerged as another promising figure. Ezcurra has been instrumental in crafting the political presentation that will be ratified at the upcoming PP Congress.
In terms of transitions within the party, there are whispers of a possible change in the current PP spokesperson in the Senate, Alicia García . Among potential replacements is Rocío Dívar , a senator from Zaragoza.
Continuity in Leadership Roles
Although Feijóo has ultimately refrained from revealing his strategies, sources indicate that individuals such as Carmen Fúnez , the current Vice Secretary of Organization, Juan Bravo , Deputy Secretary of Economy, and Borja Sémper , Vice Secretary of Culture, are likely to maintain their positions in the party’s leadership.
Esteban González Pons , the Deputy Secretary of Institutional Affairs and current parliamentary spokesperson in the European Parliament, is expected to continue in the management committee but will no longer act as Vice Secretary. The ongoing restructuring aims to clarify responsibilities, especially concerning vital areas like justice, defense, and foreign policy .
As Feijóo finalizes these crucial changes, the specifics of the new executive structure will soon be announced, signaling a pivotal moment in the PP’s quest for leadership and unity as they prepare for upcoming electoral challenges.