Pedro Sanchez: between hope of winning and the fear of failure

USPA NEWS - The legislative elections in Spain on Sunday June 26 are important for several reasons. Among others, because its outcome depends the future of the Spanish Socialist Party and especially its secretary general, Pedro Sanchez.

The next day 26, more than 36.5 million Spaniards are called to the polls in an election for which is expected to end the political interim period opened in Spain with the legislative elections of December 20, 2015. Although not hopes that these elections will shed very different results from December, the Spaniards hope that, this time, can form a Government because a party to win a sufficient majority to govern alone, either because political parties are able to reach agreements. There is skepticism on the streets, after the same parties and the same candidates who are now attending to the polls were not able to agree during the five months of the previous legislature failed.

The electoral campaign for the elections on June 26 will begin at midnight on Friday. Ahead fifteen days for candidates to convince voters to vote them. The polls give the winner the conservative Popular Party and as a fourth force, the center party Citizens. The second and third place is the dispute the Socialist Party and the coalition of communist and populist United we Can. The latter coalition with a real chance to beat the Socialists in votes and deputies, and become the first opposition party against the Popular Party.

Precisely what set of results that anticipate the polls is what will decide the future of the Socialist Party and especially its secretary general, Pedro Sanchez. A year ago, the newly elected Socialist secretary general looked to the future with optimism. He saw himself as the necessary alternative to 'Government cuts' chaired by Mariano Rajoy. In the elections of December 20, 2015 however, the Socialist Party won 90 deputies, the worst result in its history. And the problems started for Pedro Sanchez.

Questioned by the 'barons' party (socialist regional leaders) but supported by the bases, the secretary general of the Socialist Party are offered five options, three of which contemplate his departure from office. The other two (the Socialist Party is second with options to govern in coalition with the far left or the conservative Popular Party) will remain as general secretary at least throughout the term.

Pedro Sanchez problems will be exacerbated if the Popular Party and Citizens can govern without the support of the Socialists, or the communist populist coalition United we Can is second and the Socialist Party is reduced to a mere number. After four decades as one of the two main pillars of democracy in Spain, the latter situation would denaturation of Spanish socialism and open the door to the last possibility: that a management force the resignation of the Executive of the Socialist Party and prepare the succession in the General Secretary. The internal war in the Spanish socialism has been declared.