Armengol exhibits state power to set management profile against Prohens

PalmThe PSIB showcased its state power in Palma this week. The Speaker of the Congress, Francina ArmengolHe participated in several events, but Minister Óscar Puente—who presented the Paseo Marítim renovation—Catalan President Salvador Illa (PSC), and leaders of the PSPV also arrived in Palma. Minister Diana Morant was also scheduled to attend but ultimately declined. With this show of force, the Balearic Socialists aim to turn the page on two years in which they have focused on mounting a strong opposition to the PP, establishing an institutional profile and asserting themselves as a viable alternative government. All of this is underscored by the new role their leader has acquired in Madrid: representing state institutions and maintaining close ties with other Catalan-speaking territories.

"We are interested in highlighting the influence of Valencian and Balearic socialism in Madrid, as well as within the Spanish government and the presidency of the Generalitat," sources from the PSIB leadership point out. They also note the role of Armengol, who has disappeared from Balearic news—as the PP constantly reminds everyone in plenary sessions—but who has gained visibility at the national level. "She is recognized on the street like never before; at the funeral for the victims of the DANA storm, she was alongside King Felipe VI and the president." Pedro Sánchez"And as Speaker of the Congress, she maintains her own style," says a party member. Socialist MP Milena Herrera emphasizes the way she keeps a close eye on the PP and Vox parties in plenary sessions. "She has allowed all official languages to be spoken," she explains. "She maintains the stability of the institution in a very complex legislature, with many parties and a focus on transparency." In this regard, the MP highlights the promotion of the Open Parliament Plan from within the Chamber.

Alliance with the PSC and the PSPV

"When she took office, Armengol's appointment symbolized President Pedro Sánchez's agreements with the periphery of the State," notes a source within the PSIB leadership. Just this week, she led a meeting in Palma between the parliamentary groups of the PSIB, PSV, and PSC, where they presented a document of proposals on climate change, culture, and access to housing. At the event, Armengol defended public services "against right-wing governments that are pushing towards privatization." The position she holds requires institutional neutrality, which limits her ability to raise her profile through public statements. However, the PSIB believes that her increased visibility compensates for this. "She has taken on more institutional weight, while the PP has tried to destroy her image," this source points out. This refers to the connection of the Koldo case with her previous government in the Balearic Islands, which, during the pandemic, purchased medical supplies from those implicated in the scheme. "It's an image crisis, because there is no criminal implication for the Executive, and we believe it has been overcome," the source asserts.

Behind the scenes, Armengol continues to hold the reins of the Balearic parliamentary group. "She participates in the PSIB executive committee with monthly meetings, and also meets weekly with a smaller group, mostly in person, in Palma," explains a source within the leadership. "She's involved day-to-day and sets the group's course." In this sense, having reached the midpoint of the legislative term, the PSIB has shifted its discourse in Parliament, also aiming to establish an institutional profile and present itself to voters as a viable alternative. Its spokesperson in Parliament, Iago Negueruela, has moved from direct confrontation with the regional government to extending an olive branch to negotiate the spending cap and implement measures such as raising the Sustainable Tourism Tax (ITS) and the tax on vehicles registered outside Palma, among others.

"We want people to see the PSIB as a governing party that rolls up its sleeves, and to visualize that these measures, with an Executive of a different political stripe, would already be underway," sources from the party point out: "It is important to visualize that the president Marga Prohens "It doesn't address any real problems facing the citizens, and all anyone talks about is its clashes with Vox." A voice from the Socialist parliamentary group believes that, with this shift, "the PP's inability to reach agreements with anyone is evident." "We are fine-tuning and dismantling the PP's strategies," this source insists.

Dual leadership in Palma and the Consell de Mallorca

Indeed, the PSIB also operates with this dual leadership in Palma – where Negueruela holds the reins from the Parliament – and Council of Mallorcawhere current deputy Amanda Fernández is expected to replace Catalina Cladera as leader starting in 2027. According to sources familiar with the matter, since her appointment, Fernández has focused on raising her profile across all the municipalities. Meanwhile, Negueruela, who only garnered 60% of the membership vote in a primary election where he was the sole candidate, has been working to overcome the distrust among socialist party members in Palma. According to party sources, "he is gradually gaining ground."