Internal tension within the PSOE of Alcalá de Henares is escalating with the prolonged closure of its headquarters, the Casa del Pueblo, which has been shut for over two months due to a supposed breakdown. Several socialist members allege this closure is being used to limit political activity and suppress criticism towards the party leadership, as reported by Vozpópuli.
This closure coincides with a critical moment for the local branch, especially with municipal elections approaching. A group of affiliates had planned a meeting to discuss the organization's future, but gatherings have moved to alternative venues like bars and cafes. Sources from the Complutense PSOE question the reality or the slow pace of repairs for the alleged breakdown, deeming it unusual for such an incident to keep a significant branch of the Community of Madrid closed for so long.
The discontent is further fueled by the caretaker committee appointed by the federal leadership, which has been in charge for over three months without calling primary elections. Some members sarcastically compare the situation to the ongoing construction of the Sagrada Familia, lamenting the obstruction of membership and ordinary party activities during a crucial electoral cycle.
They are building a Sagrada Familia, but on a small scale.
The situation has prompted over 300 affiliates to send a letter to the federal PSOE leadership demanding the immediate call for primaries. Signatories believe the caretaker committee has far exceeded reasonable timeframes and denounce a lack of political activity and communication with grassroots members. A protest outside the headquarters was considered but ultimately not materialized.
Much of the criticism is directed at the Secretary General of the PSOE of Madrid, Óscar López, who they hold responsible for the organizational deadlock in the branch. Critical sectors warn that this internal crisis weakens the socialist electoral prospects in a strategic city for the Madrid PSOE, indirectly benefiting the municipal government led by Judith Piquet. The federal leadership faces an uncomfortable decision in a historic branch, with growing pressure to restore organizational normality before the municipal pre-campaign.
