The PSIB begins the selection process to succeed Armengol

PalmFrancina Armengol is beginning to show signs of doubt. "A year ago, she expressed her desire to be a candidate for the Balearic Islands in informal conversations," says a source who knows her well. "Lately, it's not so clear." This sense of insecurity has also permeated party ranks, who are already wondering what they will do if the Socialist ultimately decides not to run. In response, the PSIB (Socialist Party of the Balearic Islands) has begun searching for potential successors. With just over a year until the elections, they need to act. Sources within the party apparatus confirm that the Secretary of State for Tourism, Rosario Sánchez, is gaining traction in the race. The party leader in Mallorca, Amanda Fernández, is also gaining ground, although the initial plan is to primarily develop her as a candidate for the Consell de Mallorca (Island Council). The final decision will rest with Armengol, who remains all-powerful in the Balearic Islands, and ultimately with the Spanish Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez, who will oversee the process. "It's too early to rule out Armengol running," a Socialist source asserts. "Everything will be decided in the primaries," the parliamentary group emphasizes. But, although the final decision on candidates rests with the membership, the establishment's support is decisive in any internal process.

The first question to be answered is whether Armengol will once again lead a PSIB candidacy in the Balearic Islands. For now, this depends on several factors. The first is the party's electoral prospects. "You can't run to lose," a veteran Socialist warned her in a recent conversation. The national trend—seen in the elections in Extremadura and Aragon—indicates the rise of the right and far right at the polls. However, several voices within the party are qualifying these predictions. "There's still more than a year to go, the situation can turn around," they say, and they exemplify this with the dramatic move that Spanish President Pedro Sánchez made this week by reviving the "No to War" slogan in front of US President Donald Trump.

Indeed, Armengol's future is strongly linked to that of the Spanish government. As the third-highest authority in the State, in her position as Speaker of the Congress, the Socialist has gained weight and political profile in Madrid, where she has often been the target of attacks from the PP and Vox parties. "She is an extremely important asset," say sources within the party, who emphasize that their Secretary General is now playing in "a different league." Therefore, Sánchez's plans influence Armengol's decision on whether or not to run in the Canary Islands.

Francina Armengol

The Speaker of the Congress has enjoyed an uninterrupted upward trajectory within the party. The PSIB considers her irreplaceable. The internal clamor for her to run is unanimous.

Rosario Sánchez

The Secretary of State for Tourism, a close associate of Armengol and well-known within the PSOE in Madrid, enjoys the party's confidence and possesses a deep understanding of the institutions.

Amanda Fernandez

He stood out for his clashes with the Minister of Education in Parliament. He has the support of the party apparatus. Initially, he was supposed to gain experience in the Council of Mallorca first.

Essential transition

But the uncertainty lingers, and the PSIB is forced to prepare for the possibility of being left without a candidate. "Whether it's now or later, at some point a transition will have to take place," a party source points out. "Armengol's shadow looms large; a replacement will have to be chosen through agreement and consensus." Internally, the party is currently in the process of drafting its electoral program and holding a political conference. However, there are underlying movements that are clearing the path for the succession. "We have plans B, C, D, and F," sources within the party apparatus assure. In recent weeks, as reported Latest NewsSánchez stands out among these options. As Secretary of State for Tourism, close to Armengol and with an institutional profile in Madrid, she could secure the endorsement of the national PSOE. Furthermore, in recent weeks the party has assigned her an advisor close to the Balearic leadership. She has also served as the Spanish government's delegate and Finance Minister in the Balearic Islands: her extensive experience guarantees her a deep understanding of the institutions. She has distinguished herself as a manager—holding a degree in Economics and Business Administration—and her colleagues highlight her strong work ethic.

"She's a new profile that could be used if we need a replacement, but she's not the only one," sources within the party apparatus point out. In fact, the PSIB activated the option of deputy Amanda Fernández a year ago by placing her at the head of the general secretariat of the Socialist Federation of Mallorca (FSM). At that time, the Socialists were still betting that Armengol would head the list in 2027. Therefore, their plan for Fernández was for her to gradually begin building a leadership among the party's grassroots and with voters, becoming Armengol's potential successor in the 2031 election cycle. "If it were to happen. Fernández has stood out as a young option with potential as a speaker in Parliament. During the first half of the legislature, she clashed with the Minister of Education, Antoni Vera. In the last year, she has focused on visiting the party's municipal branches.

Sources within the organization insist that there are other promising candidates in the ranks, such as the spokesperson for the PSIB parliamentary group, Iago Negueruela, although everything points to him running as the lead candidate in Palma, as well as the deputy spokesperson, Marc Pons. However, the Koldo case has affected their chances for now. Sources within the party also emphasize that Deputy Mercedes Garrido is well-positioned. Be that as it may, and despite nothing being finalized, both Sánchez and Fernández are the two figures currently gaining momentum. "No one questions Armengol's continuity, and when she makes a decision, she will first inform the party members," he explains.

Although the polls favor the right, the PSIB believes that the President of the Government, Marga Prohens, will not call early elections. "They are afraid of Vox," party sources suggest. For this reason, the pieces are moving slowly. The party has no need to officially define its candidates. It prefers to have room to maneuver and adapt to the context at the last minute.