Daniel Jiménez, a well-known journalist and activist for Izquierda Unida in Puente de Vallecas, has announced he will lead the 'La IU que merece Madrid' (The IU Madrid Deserves) candidacy. This political project aims to coordinate the organization in the capital through a structure described as 'more open, participatory, and connected to its grassroots assemblies'.
Jiménez is taking on this challenge 'with great responsibility,' convinced of the need to usher in a new era for IU Madrid Ciudad (United Left Madrid City). The list also has the symbolic backing of Carlos Sánchez Mato, former delegate for Economy and Finance during Manuela Carmena's municipal government, who is listed in the final position.
The proponents of 'La IU que merece Madrid' argue in a statement that the city 'needs the commitment and involvement of its membership' to build a strong organization capable of confronting the policies of the Partido Popular and Vox in the capital.
The proposal outlines a participatory process where the membership collectively defines the organization's political strategy and work plan. 'No one knows the needs and strengths of IU Madrid Ciudad better than its members,' state the initiative's promoters, who consider it essential to reinforce the sovereignty of the grassroots assemblies.
Among the candidacy's commitments is the call for an open assembly for members and sympathizers should they secure majority support. The objective of this meeting would be to discuss Madrid's political and social situation and collectively design a political project for the city.
The proposal also seeks to strengthen IU in the capital with an eye on the 2027 municipal elections, aiming to challenge the current mayor, José Luis Martínez-Almeida, by building unity spaces with other transformative left-wing forces.
Jiménez advocates for a 'union that begins in the everyday, in the streets and assemblies,' without renouncing the organization's political principles and drawing support from social, trade union, and neighborhood movements.
The candidacy believes the internal process facing IU Madrid Ciudad must become 'a turning point' to regain political and social presence in the capital. According to Jiménez, the organization faces this stage 'with shortcomings,' lacking a management report or a political document outlining future challenges.
In this regard, the candidate stressed the need for IU to refocus on neighborhoods, public services, and social mobilizations. 'The city of Madrid, with all its inequalities, demands that we do not treat this process as a mere formality,' he underlined.
The candidacy ultimately aims to build 'a more active, more open organization, with a younger profile and connected to the city's social majority,' capable of regaining political prominence in Madrid.
