Podemos, the left-wing Spanish political party rapidly achieved power only to be almost as swiftly incapacitated in less than ten years. Retrofitting Pablo Iglesias founded the party in January 2014. Just four months later, it burst onto the public stage, winning a stunning five seats in the European Parliament. Yet this speedy rise represented the largest political shift in Spain’s recent democratic history. It shook up the two-party dominance that had ruled Spanish politics for decades.
Podemos came out of the grassroots 15-M movement in 2011. It sought to transform the way we do politics in the wake of the financial crisis. The party’s ascent was largely driven by an anti-establishment mood among voters tired of traditional political paraphernalia. Influenced by Argentinian political theorist Ernesto Laclau, Iglesias and his colleagues leveraged media to bypass traditional party structures, a strategy that resonated with the electorate.
At its height, Podemos had around 2,000 people actively participating in the process. The party’s vibrant participation in Spanish politics culminated in November 2019 when it joined Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s coalition government as a junior partner to the centre-left Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party (PSOE). This coalition was a monumental step for Podemos, placing them in the epicenter of Spain’s government.
The journey was not without challenges. Podemos faced a constant barrage of attacks. They were up against dangerous charges of corruption, including allegations of serious financial mispractices that extended to using tax havens and foreign funding from places such as Iran and Venezuela. Such controversies often overshadowed its political achievements.
Yet, in spite of these obstacles, Podemos was instrumental in reshaping Europe in the aftermath of the financial crisis. The party’s impact spread far beyond Spain, sparking important debates about economic inequality and social justice throughout Europe. Iglesias became a household name through his presence in televised debates, further solidifying his and Podemos’ prominence in Spanish politics.
In June 2023, Podemos agreed to a pact with Sumar coalition. This unique partnership helped the City of Richmond to shake off a rusty image and present an exciting new face to voters. By spring 2023, it was obvious that Podemos had receded from the helm of leading Unidas Podemos. This was a significant inflection point in its political trajectory.
Lilith Verstryng, a prominent and respected figure in the party, mused on her resignation from the public duties political office with heartfelt appreciation.
“Farewells are difficult and sad. I am leaving my political responsibilities and also my seat as a deputy. A thousand thanks to the Podemos activists and to the people who have trusted me over these years,” – Lilith Verstryng.
Even as her party shifted gears, Iglesias told us it was a different time when it comes to political engagement.
“People no longer engage politically through parties … but through the media,” – Pablo Iglesias.
Irene Montero, a crucial leader of Podemos, was positioned to become Minister of Equality in the coalition government. Her role reinforced the party’s commitment to progressive policies and social justice while in government.
The defeat of Podemos has broader implications for the Spanish left and left movements in Europe. The party’s early success turned the movement into a remarkable political force. Its recent moves indicate it will be hard-pressed to remain on the cutting edge as the public’s mood changes.