Sumar Movement Faces Leadership Change: What’s Next?
A New Direction for Sumar
On June 26, 2023, significant developments emerged within the Sumar Movement party as the current leadership gears up for a rejuvenation phase. The candidacy led by Verónica Martínez Barbero, the party’s spokesperson in Congress, and Rosa Martínez, the Secretary of State for Social Rights, is making headlines. However, the looming question remains: will the current leader Lara Hernández mount a challenge, or will she step aside?
Upcoming Leadership Elections
The deadline for submitting candidacies is set for June 30, but as of now, only the ticket featuring Barbero and Martínez has been put forward. These two candidates are projected to become the new leaders during the extraordinary assembly scheduled for July 11. According to sources within the movement, this slate represents the only viable option attracting significant support from party members.
The emphasis is on forming a cohesive unitary list, but behind the scenes, speculations suggest that other candidates may surface. The uncertainty surrounding Hernández’s intentions is particularly compelling, as she has not dismissed the possibility of presenting an alternative list.
Internal Struggles and Controversy
Hernández has led the Sumar Movement since March 2025, taking the reins from Yolanda Díaz, who originally founded the party in 2023 but stepped down after less-than-ideal results in the 2024 European elections. Under Hernández, concerns regarding her leadership style have bubbled to the surface, which served as a catalyst for convening the extraordinary assembly.
The situation was exacerbated by the resignation of Laura Moreno, the Secretary of Organization, following an internal investigation that revealed troubling behavior by Hernández towards party employees. Close associates of Hernández, however, refute these claims, pointing out inconsistencies and a lack of due process throughout this ongoing situation.
Key Figures in the New Leadership Landscape
Both Barbero and Martínez are well-regarded within the party and have close ties to influential figures like Díaz and Pablo Bustinduy, the Minister of Social Rights, which may bolster their positions. Barbero’s prior role as the general director of labor from 2020-2023, alongside her work as Sumar’s spokesperson since 2024, positions her as a prominent leader. Meanwhile, Rosa Martínez has experience as a deputy representing Equo, further solidifying the narrative that both candidates are credible successors.
A Broader Coalition Context
The anticipated transition in the Sumar Movement leadership aligns with efforts to refocus the coalition itself. The Sumar Movement, along with fellow parties IU, Más Madrid, and los Comuns, is on a path to refounding. These parties currently collaborate with PSOE and intend to regroup for the upcoming general elections scheduled for 2027. However, a collective decision regarding the new coalition name and leadership structure is yet to be made.
In summary, while Barbero and Martínez appear poised to lead the movement forward, the specter of Hernández’s potential challenge looms large. The internal dynamics and external pressures surrounding this changing leadership landscape will undoubtedly influence Sumar’s direction as it prepares for the future.