Puente says he neither rules out nor seeks succeeding Sánchez

Puente says he neither rules out nor seeks succeeding Sánchez

Óscar Puente is no longer just another minister. In a recent interview, when asked whether he would like to succeed Pedro Sánchez at the helm of Spain's PSOE (Socialist Party), he replied: "I neither rule myself out nor put myself forward." The phrase, which sounds like wordplay, is in fact a statement of position. And according to a circulating tweet, sectors of the PSOE already back Puente against Sánchez and "he has the support of the grassroots." The news has landed like a bombshell in a party that has spent months dealing with leaks, territorial crises and a wear and tear that shows in every poll. For a Transport Minister to allow himself to flirt with the succession without anyone denying it says a lot about the state of play.

Puente's profile: from Valladolid mayor to possible successor

Puente is no unknown. He was mayor of Valladolid and became famous for shutting down after-parties and for a direct style some call cocky and others, refreshing honesty. His move to the Ministry of Transport gave him national visibility, and from there he has been building a profile of his own. He is not the typical party machine politician: he speaks fast, does not shy away from confrontation and has a provocative streak that works on social media. In the party, some see him as an asset to mobilise the lukewarm, while others see him as a controlled risk. The truth is his name is being whispered more and more in the corridors of Ferraz, the PSOE headquarters.

The PSOE grassroots and the backing for Puente

According to a circulating tweet, sectors of the PSOE already back Puente against Sánchez. The key lies with the grassroots: members who, according to some analyses, are tired of the current leadership and are looking for a replacement with more punch. The problem is that the PSOE primaries, given the nature of the average member, can be a double-edged sword. Some argue the grassroots would choose another Zapatero and the party would end up splitting apart. Others believe Puente is exactly what they need: a attack dog that does not flinch in the face of the opposition.

The context: Ceuta, migrants and economic ruin

It is no coincidence that this move is happening now. The situation in Ceuta, with a migratory pressure the Government has failed to fully control, and the economic management have left the PSOE bruised. In the party there are those who think Sánchez is no longer the asset he once was and that a succession must be prepared. Puente, with his direct discourse, could connect with those voters who have drifted into abstention. But he could also scare off moderates. The gamble is risky.

The opposition: between "Chimpa" and "Frijolito"

While the PSOE looks inward, the opposition is not offering much better alternatives. The debate mentions "Chimpa" and "Frijolito" as possible PP candidates, and the general feeling is that the political level is rock bottom. Puente, with his style, could capitalise on that discontent. Or he could be another nail in the coffin. The comparison with Trump in manners, but in a pogre version, has been made more than once.

The future of the PSOE: primaries and succession

The question is what will happen if Puente takes the plunge. The PSOE primaries are an unpredictable process. If the grassroots choose him, Sánchez will have to manage a transition he does not control. If not, Puente will be left as a loose cannon. What is clear is that the PSOE will not touch power for decades if it does not resolve its internal crisis. And Puente, with his profile, is a gamble. It could turn out well. Or it could be the beginning of the end.

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The succession in the PSOE is wide open. Puente has thrown down the gauntlet and the grassroots seem ready to pick it up. Whether Sánchez will allow it remains to be seen.