Juan Marín Critica María Jesús Montero’s Candidacy for PSOE-A, Citing Electoral ‘Debacle’

Juan Marín, the former Vice President of the Junta de Andalucía, has voiced strong criticism regarding María Jesús Montero's role in the recent electoral performance of the PSOE in Andalusia. Marín, who maintains cordial relations with both current President Juanma Moreno and former President Susana Díaz, stated emphatically that Montero's candidacy was "very bad for Andalusia" and directly contributed to what he described as an electoral "debacle" for the Socialist party. He believes that any other candidate profile would have secured more votes for the PSOE.

Marín's comments, made in an interview, highlight a deep-seated belief that the PSOE-A is currently in a state of disarray, requiring a significant period in "the dugout" to reconstruct itself. He argues that the decision to put forward Montero was, in essence, "the biggest favour" done to Juanma Moreno, implying it inadvertently strengthened the PP's position.

Montero's Performance and Perceived Errors

The former Vice President did not mince words when discussing Montero's tenure and her actions during the campaign. He pointed to a series of errors, culminating in her controversial characterization of a tragic incident in Huelva as a "work accident." However, Marín suggested that these recent missteps were merely the latest in a long line of errors. He particularly criticized Montero for seemingly ignoring Andalusia during her seven years as a minister in the Spanish government, only to present herself as a "saviour" during the election period. Marín emphasized that "citizens are not fools" and their votes reflect a clear understanding of who genuinely represents their interests.

He also referenced historical grievances, such as the perceived discrimination against Andalusia by the central government. Marín cited the example of a substantial investment in Catalonia's railway network shortly after the Andalusian elections, contrasting it with the decades-long wait for high-speed rail in Granada and Almería. He questioned Montero's commitment to her home region, stating, "You are Minister of Finance, you are in Madrid, doesn't your land hurt you?" This perceived lack of advocacy for Andalusia, according to Marín, was a key factor in the electorate's reaction.

The Need for a Strong PSOE

Despite his criticisms, Marín stressed the importance of a strong Socialist Party for the health of democracy in Andalusia. He concurred with Juanma Moreno's assessment that a robust PSOE is essential, arguing that it provides solidity to the democratic system by offering alternative political options. However, he lamented the current state of the party in the region, describing it as "decomposed" and lacking clear leadership.

Marín suggested that the PSOE-A would take a considerable time to rebuild, potentially spending "a couple of legislatures" out of power, especially if the current national government's situation persists. He used a football analogy, referring to the party being "in the banquillo" (on the bench), to illustrate the anticipated period of recovery.

Leadership Vacuum and Future Prospects

When asked about the possibility of Susana Díaz returning to a leadership role within the PSOE-A, Marín expressed doubt. While acknowledging Díaz's loyalty and extensive political experience, he did not see her as the ideal person to lead the party's necessary renewal in Andalusia. He believes that Díaz's time, much like his own, has passed in terms of front-line leadership, though they can still contribute from other positions.

Marín also admitted to not seeing any clear leader emerging within the Andalusian PSOE at present. He mentioned appreciating certain individuals who are good managers and friends but stated, "I swear I don't see it. I don't see that leadership." He stressed the need for a consolidated political structure from the grassroots up, with municipalism playing a fundamental role.

Datos clave

• Crítica Central: María Jesús Montero fue una "candidata muy mala" para el PSOE-A.
• Consecuencia Electoral: La elección de Montero contribuyó a la "debacle" del PSOE en Andalucía.
• Causa de la Derrota: Errores de campaña, falta de defensa de Andalucía y agravios históricos.
• Necesidad del PSOE: Un PSOE fuerte es vital para la democracia andaluza, pero el actual está débil.

The "Super Sunday" of 2027

Looking ahead, Marín speculated about a potential "super Sunday" of elections in 2027, suggesting that such a scenario would primarily serve Pedro Sánchez's interests rather than the country's. He painted a picture of Sánchez prioritizing his own political survival amidst corruption cases and recent controversies, such as the one involving Zapatero and Maduro. Marín contended that an early election should have been called following the Ábalos case, but responsibilities were not assumed.

Marín also commented on the performance of Adelante Andalucía, noting that while their recovery from two to eight seats was a success, he believed they had inadvertently achieved the opposite of their stated goal. He recalled hearing their post-election claim that they had prevented the PP from securing an absolute majority, but argued that their actions had ultimately resulted in a government in Andalusia that is even more reliant on the far-right than before. He concluded that the left still has its space, but the strategy employed had unintended consequences.

Fuente: abc.es – https://www.abc.es/espana/andalucia/juan-marin-maria-jesus-montero-era-candidata-20260521165738-nts.html