41st Federal Congress of the PSOE

41st Federal Congress of the PSOE

←  2021 29 November–1 December 2024
1,101 delegates in the federal congress Plurality of delegates needed to win
Opinion polls
Turnout	1,028 (93.4%)
Candidate Pedro Sánchez Blank ballots Popular vote Cancelled Cancelled Delegate vote Unopposed N/A Executive 925 (90.8%) 94 (9.2%)
Secretary before election Pedro Sánchez Elected Secretary Pedro Sánchez

The 41st Federal Congress of the Spanish Socialist Workers' Party will be held in Seville from 29 November to 1 December 2024, to renovate the governing bodies of the Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE) and establish the party's main lines of action and strategy for the next leadership term. ^[1] Although the congress was scheduled to be held in 2025, party leader Pedro Sánchez had expressed his intention to advance it to late 2024, ^[1] with this being confirmed on 30 August 2024. ^[2] Initially planned for 15–17 November, it was delayed two weeks for "logistical reasons". ^{[3] [4] [5]}

In late April 2024, Sánchez announced his intention to reflect on his political future, including a possible retiring from Spanish politics. This raised the possibility that the congress could have taken place earlier than planned to elect a successor. ^[6] Finally, Sánchez announced that he would not be resigning despite a "harassment and bullying operation" and that he would be fighting "even harder" as prime minister. ^[7]

A primary election to elect the new party secretary-general was initially scheduled for 13 October, but as a result of no opposing candidates running for election, Pedro Sánchez was proclaimed unopposed as party leader on 19 September. ^[8]

Overview

The federal congress of the PSOE is the party's supreme body, and can be of either ordinary or extraordinary nature, depending on whether it is held following the natural end of its term or due to any other exceptional circumstances not linked to this event. Ordinary congresses are to be held every three or four years and called at least 45 days in advance of their celebration, though they can be postponed for up to one additional year. ^[9]

Timetable

The key dates are listed below (all times are CET): ^[10]

• 7 September: Official announcement of the congress.
• Primaries:
  • 12 September: Start of pre-candidacy submission period.
  • 19 September: End of pre-candidacy submission period (at 12 pm).
  • 20 September: Start of endorsement collection period.
  • 30 September: End of endorsement collection period (at 12 pm).
  • 1–2 October: Proclamation of candidates.
  • 3 October: Official start of internal information campaign.
  • 12 October: Last day of internal information campaign.
• Congress delegations:
  • 24 September: Start of pre-candidacy submission period.
  • 30 September: End of pre-candidacy submission period (at 12 pm).
  • 2 October: Start of endorsement collection period.
  • 9 October: End of endorsement collection period (at 12 pm).
  • 9–10 October: Proclamation of candidates.
• 13 October: 1st round of primary election.
• 20 October: Election of congress delegations and 2nd round of primary election (if required).
• 8–10 November: Pre-congress conventions.
• 29 November–1 December: Federal congress.

Candidates

Incumbent

Candidate		Age	Notable positions	Announced	Eliminated	Ref.
Candidate elected as secretary-general.
Pedro Sánchez		52	President of the Socialist International (since 2022) Prime Minister of Spain (since 2018) Secretary-General of the PSOE (2014–2016 and since 2017) Deputy in the Cortes Generales for Madrid (2009–2011, 2013–2016 and since 2019) President pro tempore of the Council of the European Union (2023) Leader of the Opposition of Spain (2014–2016 and 2017–2018) City Councillor of Madrid (2004–2009)	7 September 2024	YElected	[8] [11]

Declined

The individuals in this section were the subject of speculation about their possible candidacy, but publicly denied or recanted interest in running:

• 
  Pilar Alegría
• 
  Félix Bolaños
• 
  Josep Borrell
• 
  Emiliano García-Page
• 
  Salvador Illa
• 
  Adriana Lastra
• 
  María Jesús Montero
• 
  Óscar Puente
• 
  José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero

• Pilar Alegría (age 46) — Minister of Education, Vocational Training and Sports of Spain (since 2023); Spokesperson of the Government of Spain (since 2023); Deputy in the Cortes Generales for Zaragoza (2008–2015 and since 2023); Spokesperson of the PSOE Federal Executive (2022–2024); Minister of Education and Vocational Training of Spain (2021–2023); Delegate of the Government of Spain in Aragon (2020–2021); Spokesperson of the PSOE Group in the City Council of Zaragoza (2019–2020); City Councillor of Zaragoza (2019–2020); Minister of Innovation, Research and University of Aragon (2015–2019); Deputy in the Cortes of Aragon for Zaragoza (2015–2019); Secretary of Organization of the PSOE–Aragon (2014–2017). ^[6]
• Félix Bolaños (age 48) — Minister of the Presidency, Justice and Relations with the Cortes of Spain (since 2023); Deputy in the Cortes Generales for Madrid (since 2023); Secretary for Constitutional Reform and New Rights of the PSOE (since 2021); Minister of the Presidency, Relations with the Cortes and Democratic Memory of Spain (2021–2023); Secretary-General of the Office of the Prime Minister of Spain (2018–2021). ^[6]
• Josep Borrell (age 77) — High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (since 2019); Vice-President of the European Commission (since 2019); Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation of Spain (2018–2019); Member of the European Parliament for Spain (2004–2009); President of the European Parliament (2004–2007); Deputy in the Cortes Generales for Barcelona (1986–2004); Leader of the Opposition of Spain (1998–1999); Spokesperson of the PSOE Group in the Congress of Deputies (1998–1999); Minister of Public Works, Transport and Environment of Spain (1993–1996); Minister of Public Works and Urbanism of Spain (1991–1993); Secretary of State of Finance of Spain (1984–1991); Secretary-General of Budget and Public Expenditure of Spain (1982–1984); City Councillor of Majadahonda (1979–1983). ^[12]
• Emiliano García-Page (age 56) — President of the Junta of Communities of Castilla–La Mancha (since 2015); Deputy in the Cortes of Castilla–La Mancha for Toledo (1995–2007 and since 2015); Senator in the Cortes Generales appointed by the Cortes of Castilla–La Mancha (2011–2015); Mayor of Toledo (2007–2015); City Councillor of Toledo (1987–1993 and 2007–2015); Secretary-General of the PSCM–PSOE in Toledo (1997–2012); Second Vice President of the Junta of Communities of Castilla–La Mancha (2005–2007); Minister of Institutional Relations of Castilla–La Mancha (2004–2005); Minister-Spokersperson of Castilla–La Mancha (1993–1997, 1998–1999 and 2001–2004); Spokesperson of the PSOE Group in the Cortes of Castilla–La Mancha (2000–2001); Minister of Social Welfare of Castilla–La Mancha (1999–2000); Minister of Public Works of Castilla–La Mancha (1997–1998); Deputy Mayor for Celebrations of Toledo (1991–1993). ^{[6] [13]}
• Salvador Illa (age 58) — President of the Government of Catalonia (since 2024); First Secretary of the PSC (since 2021); Deputy in the Parliament of Catalonia for Barcelona (since 2021); Leader of the Opposition in the Parliament of Catalonia (2021–2024); Minister of Health of Spain (2020–2021); Secretary of Organization of the PSC (2016–2021); Director for the Management Service of Barcelona (2010–2011); Director-General for Infrastructure Management of Catalonia (2005–2009); Mayor of La Roca del Vallès (1995–2005); City Councillor of La Roca del Vallès (1987–2005). ^[6]
• Adriana Lastra (age 45) — Delegate of the Government of Spain in Asturias (since 2024); Deputy in the Cortes Generales for Asturias (2016–2024); Deputy Secretary-General of the PSOE (2017–2022); Spokesperson of the PSOE Group in the Congress of Deputies (2018–2021); Secretary for Local Policy of the PSOE (2014–2016); Deputy in the General Junta of the Principality of Asturias for the Eastern District (2007–2015). ^[14]
• María Jesús Montero (age 58) — First Deputy Prime Minister of Spain (since 2023); Minister of Finance (2018–2021 and since 2023); Deputy Secretary-General of the PSOE (since 2022); Deputy in the Cortes Generales for Seville (since 2019); Fourth Deputy Prime Minister of Spain (2023); Minister of Finance and Civil Service (2021–2023); Spokesperson of the Government of Spain (2020–2021); Minister of Finance and Public Administrations of Andalusia (2013–2018); Deputy in the Parliament of Andalusia for Seville (2008–2012 and 2013–2018); Minister of Health and Social Welfare of Andalusia (2012–2013); Minister of Health and Consumer Affairs of Andalusia (2004–2012). ^{[6] [15] [16]}
• Óscar Puente (age 55) — Minister of Transport and Sustainable Mobility of Spain (since 2023); Deputy in the Cortes Generales for Valladolid (since 2023); Secretary-General of the PSOE in Valladolid (since 2021); Mayor of Valladolid (2015–2023); City Councillor of Valladolid (2007–2023); Spokesperson of the PSOE Federal Executive (2017–2021). ^[6]
• José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero (age 64) — Secretary-General of the PSOE (2000–2012); Prime Minister of Spain (2004–2011); Deputy in the Cortes Generales for León and Madrid (1986–2011); President pro tempore of the Council of the European Union (2010); Leader of the Opposition of Spain (2000–2004). ^[17]

Opinion polls

Poll results are listed in the tables below in reverse chronological order, showing the most recent first, and using the date the survey's fieldwork was done, as opposed to the date of publication. If such date is unknown, the date of publication is given instead. The highest percentage figure in each polling survey is displayed in bold, and the background shaded in the candidate's colour. In the instance of a tie, the figures with the highest percentages are shaded. Polls show data gathered among PSOE voters/supporters as well as Spanish voters as a whole, but not among party members, who are the ones ultimately entitled to vote in the primary election.

PSOE voters

Polling firm/Commissioner	Fieldwork date	Sample size			Other /None	?	Lead
			Sánchez (Inc.)	Page
ElectoPanel/Electomanía [18]	27 Jan–2 Feb 2024	?	85.4	7.1	7.5	–	78.3

Spanish voters

Polling firm/Commissioner	Fieldwork date	Sample size			Other /None	?	Lead
			Sánchez (Inc.)	Page
ElectoPanel/Electomanía [18]	27 Jan–2 Feb 2024	1,614	45.0	36.6	18.4	–	8.4

Results

Summary of the 13 October–1 December 2024 PSOE congress results

Candidate		Primary		Congress
				Secretary		Executive
		Votes	%	Votes	%	Votes	%
	Pedro Sánchez	Cancelled		Unopposed		925	90.78
Blank ballots				—		94	9.22
Total				—		1,019
Valid votes		Cancelled		—		1,019	99.12
Invalid votes						9	0.88
Votes cast / turnout						1,028	93.37
Abstentions						73	6.63
Registered voters				1,101		1,101
Sources [19]

Vote by delegates (Executive) Sánchez   90.78% Blank ballots   9.22%

References

1. "Sánchez irá a las urnas en 2024 sólo con retoques en su Ejecutiva y llevará a octubre el 41º Congreso". El Español (in Spanish). Madrid. 11 December 2023. Retrieved 28 April 2024.
2. Marcos, José (30 August 2024). "Sánchez convocará el Congreso Federal del PSOE en noviembre para activar la renovación del partido". El País (in Spanish). Madrid. Retrieved 1 September 2024.
3. "Sánchez convoca el Congreso Federal del PSOE para el 15, 16 y 17 de noviembre en Sevilla" (in Spanish). Madrid: Europa Press. 2 September 2024. Retrieved 2 September 2024.
4. "El PSOE celebrará su congreso federal del 29 de noviembre al 1 de diciembre" (in Spanish). RTVE. 2 September 2024. Retrieved 2 September 2024.
5. "Sánchez asegura estar con ánimo para otra legislatura y seguir "lo que quieran los españoles con su voto"" (in Spanish). EiTB. 30 April 2024. Retrieved 16 July 2024.
6. Rodríguez Veiga, Diego (28 April 2024). "Zapatero y seis más: el expresidente, único líder que suscita entusiasmo para suceder a Sánchez". El Español (in Spanish). Madrid. Retrieved 28 April 2024.
7. "Pedro Sánchez to continue as Spain's PM despite 'bullying' campaign". The Guardian. 29 April 2024. Retrieved 29 April 2024.
8. "Pedro Sánchez será reelegido como secretario general del PSOE al ser el único candidato". elDiario.es (in Spanish). 19 September 2024. Retrieved 27 October 2024.
9. "Estatutos 40 Congreso PSOE" (PDF). PSOE (in Spanish). Retrieved 2 September 2024.
10. "Calendario 41 Congreso Federal" (PDF). PSOE (in Spanish). 3 July 2021. Retrieved 14 September 2024.
11. "Pedro Sánchez anuncia que se presentará a la reelección como secretario general del PSOE: "Tengo un proyecto de futuro para España"" (in Spanish). Madrid: Cadena SER. 7 September 2024. Retrieved 7 September 2024.
12. Ansón, Luis María (28 April 2023). "Sánchez sí tiene sucesor". La Razón (in Spanish). Retrieved 16 July 2024.
13. "García-Page no descarta que Sánchez dimita y no se ve como sucesor del presidente". La Voz del Tajo (in Spanish). 25 April 2024. Retrieved 16 July 2024.
14. Martín, Ana (11 June 2023). "La conjura de Adriana Lastra: Sánchez intenta sofocar los primeros movimientos sucesorios" (in Spanish). El Debate. Retrieved 9 September 2024.
15. López Pavón, Teresa (26 April 2024). "María Jesús Montero se presenta como sucesora natural de Sánchez con Zapatero como líder en la sombra". El Mundo (in Spanish). Seville. Retrieved 8 September 2024.
16. Fernández, Rubén (29 April 2024). "María Jesús Montero, la sucesora que tendrá que esperar". Libertad Digital (in Spanish). Retrieved 16 July 2024.
17. ""La hipótesis Zapatero" ante una posible dimisión de Pedro Sánchez, la opción que descarta rotundamente el expresidente" (in Spanish). La Sexta. 28 April 2024. Retrieved 29 April 2024.
18. "ElectoPanel (13feb): Sánchez, preferido a Page como líder del PSOE". Electomanía (in Spanish). 13 February 2024.
19. "La nueva Comisión Ejecutiva Federal del PSOE, aprobada con el 90% de los votos". PSOE. 1 December 2024. Retrieved 2 December 2024.