2000 PSOE federal party congress

none 2000 PSOE federal party congress 35px presidential no 1997 PSOE federal party congress 1997 2004 PSOE federal party congress 2004 998 delegates in the Federal CongressPlurality of delegates needed to win Secretary-General: 995 (99.7%)Executive: 964 (96.6%)Committee: 950 (95.2%) 21−23 July 2000 Delegate vote Executive Committee 170x170px José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero E3035F 414 (41.6%) 865 (90.2%) 856 (90.7%) 170x170px José Bono F27D26 405 (40.7%) Eliminated Eliminated 170x170px Matilde Fernández 22B14C 109 (11.0%) Eliminated Eliminated 170x170px Rosa Díez E35BAD 65 (6.5%) Eliminated Eliminated 170x170px Blank ballots DDDDDD 2 (0.2%) 94 (9.8%) 88 (9.3%) Party leader Party leader after election Caretaker commission headed by Manuel Chaves José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero The Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE) held its 35th federal congress in Madrid from 21 to 23 July 2000, to renovate its governing bodies—including the post of secretary-general, which amounted to that of party leader—and establish the party platform and policy until the next congress. It was called following the PSOE's defeat in the 2000 general election and the subsequent resignation of then secretary-general, Joaquín Almunia. A caretaker commission under Andalusian president Manuel Chaves was appointed to organize the congress and manage the party in the interim. The main issue dominating the congress was the renovation of the party, following 23 years of leadership under Felipe González—who had also been prime minister of Spain between 1982 and 1996—and Alfonso Guerra as his deputy. While González had stepped down in the previous congress in 1997, his influence in the party apparatus, together with that of the powerful PSOE regional leaders, helped elect Almunia as new leader. A primary election in 1998 saw the party's grassroots electing Josep Borrell as the PSOE's prime ministerial nominee, sparking a duumvirate with Almunia which was only resolved after Borrell's withdrawal in 1999. In the lead up to the congress, party factions coalesced around four main candidates in the leadership contest: president of Castilla–La Mancha, José Bono, who represented positions in the Christian left; José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, a deputy for León representing a Blairism-inspired social liberalism (a "New Way"); the leader of the PSOE delegation in the European Parliament, Rosa Díez, who advocated for a participatory social democracy; and former social affairs minister Matilde Fernández, who represented democratic socialist views and was backed by both Guerra's (guerristas) and Borrell's (borrellistas) supporters. As a result, it became the first competitive PSOE congress since 1979. Under a plurality voting system, Zapatero unexpectedly won the ballot to initial favourite Bono by nine votes. Fernández and Díez placed a distant third and fourth places. Zapatero's victory was attributed in part to tactical voting from Díez's supporters and some guerristas who, inspired by Zapatero's speech during the congress, decided their support in the last minute in an effort to prevent Bono from becoming new party leader. Zapatero would subsequently win the 2004 Spanish general election and become prime minister of Spain. Background 200px|thumb|alt=José María Aznar and Joaquín Almunia in Moncloa palace|The congress was triggered by Joaquín Almunia's resignation as PSOE leader, following José María Aznar's landslide victory in the 2000 Spanish general election (both men pictured in 1997). Since the early 1990s, the Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE) had been embroiled in an internal power and ideological struggle between those following the doctrine of its deputy secretary-general, Alfonso Guerra (dubbed as guerristas), and those supporting the party's renovation, headed by party leader Felipe González (referred to as renovadores, Spanish for "renovators"); this had been publicly revealed in the 1994 party congress, which resulted in Guerra losing control of the party apparatus to the renovator faction.18 March 1994 El congreso del PSOE quitará a Guerra las riendas del partido https://elpais.com/diario/1994/03/18/portada/763945202_850215.html es El País 28 July 2024Agencias 15 July 2000 El PSOE afronta su 35 congreso con 40.000 afiliados más que en el anterior https://www.lavozdegalicia.es/noticia/espana/2000/07/15/psoe-afronta-35-congreso-40000-afiliados-anterior/0003_119478.htm es La Voz de Galicia Madrid 16 April 2025 The 1996 Spanish general election saw the PSOE lose the national government for the first time since 1982, with José María Aznar of the People's Party (PP) becoming new prime minister through an alliance with peripheral nationalist parties, in what would be coined as the "Majestic Pact".Valdecantos Camilo 5 May 1996 Aznar, investido presidente, lleva al Gobierno al PP https://elpais.com/diario/1996/05/05/espana/831247229_850215.html es El País Madrid 14 March 2025 A new party congress was called for June 1997 in order to define the PSOE's new role in opposition,Díez Anabel 17 January 1997 El PSOE celebrará su congreso en junio y dedicará 1998 a lanzarse como alternativa https://elpais.com/diario/1997/01/17/espana/853455616_850215.html es El País Madrid 12 April 2025Díez Anabel 25 January 1997 El adelanto del congreso del PSOE se pactó en una reunion de ocho dirigentes con González https://elpais.com/diario/1997/01/25/espana/854146817_850215.html es El País Madrid 12 April 2025 but Guerra's continuity as deputy leader became the political focus and threatened party unity.Díez Anabel 26 May 1997 El PSOE intentará que su congreso no se centre a la figura del 'número dos' https://elpais.com/diario/1997/05/26/espana/864597609_850215.html es El País Madrid 12 April 202520 June 1997 Guerra denuncia una "conspiración" de seis 'barones' https://elpais.com/diario/1997/06/20/espana/866757609_850215.html es El País Madrid 12 April 2025 In an attempt to end the struggle and force a full party renovation, González announced his surprise withdrawal from frontline politics.Díez Anabel 21 June 1997 Felipe González abandona la secretaría general para forzar la renovación del partido https://elpais.com/diario/1997/06/21/espana/866844002_850215.html es El País Madrid 1 July 2023 Joaquín Almunia was elected as new PSOE secretary-general,Díez Anabel 22 June 1997 Los 'barones' colocan a Almunia en la secretaría general tras garantizarse que entran en la ejecutiva https://elpais.com/diario/1997/06/22/espana/866930401_850215.html es El País Madrid 5 April 2025 but the process was perceived as rushed, heavily influenced by the party's elites—the powerful regional leaders (colloquially referred to as barones, Spanish for "barons") as well as González himself—while other potential candidates, such as former public works minister Josep Borrell, were sidelined.Díez Anabel 22 June 1997 El espantajo de Borrell https://elpais.com/diario/1997/06/22/espana/866930404_850215.html es El País Madrid 5 April 2025Mauri Luis 6 July 1997 Borrell echó en falta unas 'primarias' en la elección de Almunia como líder https://elpais.com/diario/1997/07/06/espana/868140015_850215.html es El País Barcelona 5 April 2025Sanz Díaz 2015 9 Borrell contested and unexpectedly won the party's prime ministerial primaries in April 1998,Díez Anabel 25 April 1998 https://elpais.com/diario/1998/04/25/espana/893455228_850215.html Borrell gana y trastoca la situación del PSOE es El País Madrid 19 March 2025 originally intended by Almunia as a way to legitimize his leadership.Sanz Díaz 2015 84Pascual Bueno 2016 118Ramiro 2016 128 A "bicephaly" ( duumvirate) situation ensued in which both of them clashed for months on their roles and the party's platform,EFE 21 November 1998 Cronología de una crisis https://elpais.com/diario/1998/11/21/espana/911602809_850215.html es El País Madrid 19 March 2025 with this only ending following Borrell's withdrawal in May 1999 and the proclamation of Almunia as nominee in July.Díez Anabel 15 May 1999 Borrell renuncia como candidato por el escándalo de sus ex colaboradores https://elpais.com/diario/1999/05/15/espana/926719201_850215.html es El País Madrid 19 March 2025Agencias 24 July 1999 El Comité Federal respalda la candidatura de Almunia https://www.elmundo.es/elmundo/1999/julio/24/nacional/psoe.html es El Mundo Madrid 19 March 2025 The 2000 general election saw a landslide victory for the ruling PP and the PSOE being reduced to its worst result since 1979.13 March 2000 Aznar logra la mayoría absoluta https://elpais.com/diario/2003/02/11/portada/1044918016_850215.html es El País 16 April 2025 This prompted Almunia to announce his immediate resignation as PSOE leader,Díez Anabel 13 March 2000 Joaquín Almunia asume la derrota y dimite https://elpais.com/diario/2000/03/13/espana/952902020_850215.html es El País Madrid 16 April 2025 triggering a leadership contest through an ordinary party congress which was set to be held on 21−23 July 2000.Díez Anabel 14 March 2000 El PSOE elegirá en julio a su nuevo líder https://elpais.com/diario/2000/03/14/espana/952988473_850215.html es El País Madrid 16 April 202522 March 2000 Los socialistas deben elegir hoy entre un congreso ordinario o extraordinario https://elpais.com/diario/2000/03/22/espana/953679637_850215.html es El País Madrid 16 April 2025 During his assessment of the election results, Almunia noted that one of the main reasons for the defeat was the party's failure to undertake a complete renovation after being ousted from power in 1996.16 March 2000 Jáuregui reivindica para Almunia el papel de "primer renovador" https://elpais.com/diario/2000/03/16/espana/953161224_850215.html es El País 17 April 2025 PSOE regional leaders negotiated the appointment of a caretaker commission14 March 2000 Una gestora dirigirá el PSOE hasta la elección de un nuevo líder en julio https://elpais.com/diario/2000/03/14/portada/952988401_850215.html es El País 16 April 2025Díez Anabel 16 March 2000 Los 'barones' del PSOE negocian una gestora de integración que evite enfrentamientos https://elpais.com/diario/2000/03/16/espana/953161223_850215.html es El País Madrid 16 April 2025—the Political Commission—under Andalusian president Manuel Chaves,Díez Anabel 21 March 2000 Los 'barones' intentan que Chaves acepte una gestora que integre a todos los sectores del PSOE https://elpais.com/diario/2000/03/21/espana/953593201_850215.html es El País Madrid 17 April 202523 March 2000 El comité federal resuelve la dimisión de Almunia con un congreso ordinario y una gestora de 15 miembros https://elpais.com/diario/2000/03/23/espana/953766067_850215.html es El País Madrid 24 April 2025 to organize the congress, manage the party in the interim and prevent a power vacuum.20 March 2000 La escalada de descalificaciones mutuas entre dirigentes agrava la crisis interna del PSOE https://elpais.com/diario/2000/03/20/espana/953506843_850215.html es El País Madrid 16 April 2025 The goal was for a congress that served as "the starting point for a profound change" in the party,Díez Anabel 10 April 2000 El PSOE quiere que su congreso sea punto de partida para un cambio en profundidad https://elpais.com/diario/2000/04/10/espana/955317618_850215.html es El País Madrid 16 April 2025 while deviating from the previous practice of reaching elite pacts that accommodated the various PSOE families through the influence of the regional leaders.Díez Anabel 13 April 2000 Dirigentes del PSOE instan a evitar el reparto de poder entre 'familias' del PSOE https://elpais.com/diario/2000/04/13/espana/955576812_850215.html es El País Madrid 17 April 2025 Overview Role The Federal Congress was the highest decision-making body of the PSOE, having the ability to define the party platform and policy, amend its statutes and internal regulations and elect its federal governing bodies, which included the Executive Commission—a board of directors responsible for the day-to-day management of the party under the coordination of a secretary-general, which was the party leader—and 49 members in the Federal Committee (an assembly of party notables and elected representatives, which was the PSOE's highest body between congresses).Estructura organizativa http://www.psoe.es/orgatxt.htm es Spanish Socialist Workers' Party https://web.archive.org/web/19970327060942/http://www.psoe.es/orgatxt.htm 24 April 2025 27 March 1997 Depending on whether a congress was held following the natural end of its term or due to any other exceptional circumstances, it could be of either ordinary or extraordinary nature. Ordinary PSOE congresses were to be held every three or four years and called at least four months in advance, whereas extraordinary congresses—which allowed to fill vacancies affecting the post of secretary-general or half plus one of the members of the federal executive commission—could be called 40 days in advance, but they did not allow to define the party's platform and the resulting elected officials were limited to serve out what remained of the previous congress' original term until the next ordinary one. Procedure Congress delegates were elected by party members of the corresponding territorial area and in full enjoyment of their political rights, using closed list proportional representation.2 June 2000 El PSOE comienza hoy el proceso para elegir los delegados al 35 Congreso https://www.servimedia.es/noticias/psoe-comienza-hoy-proceso-para-elegir-delegados-35-congreso/1411045709 es Servimedia Madrid 24 April 202520 July 2000 PSOE. El 35 Congreso culmina dos meses de intensos debates internos en el partido https://www.servimedia.es/noticias/psoe-35-congreso-culmina-dos-meses-intensos-debates-internos-partido/1411050821 es Servimedia Madrid 24 April 2025 In a first stage of the process, local assemblies were to be held to elect representatives to the respective provincial, regional and island conventions;Agencias 15 May 2000 El PSOE impone requisitos para limitar el número de aspirantes https://www.elmundo.es/elmundo/2000/05/14/espana/958273661.html es El Mundo Madrid 16 April 2025Díez Anabel 11 June 2000 Los militantes del PSOE reclaman elecciones primarias https://elpais.com/diario/2000/06/11/espana/960674409_850215.html es El País Madrid 16 April 2025 then, these conventions would elect the party delegates who were to attend the federal congress.Díez Anabel Montserrat Concha 12 June 2000 Finaliza el proceso de elección de los delegados regionales del PSOE https://elpais.com/diario/2000/06/12/espana/960760815_850215.html es El País Madrid 16 April 2025Europa Press 17 June 2000 Los congresos provinciales eligen hoy los delegados para el cónclave de julio https://www.elmundo.es/elmundo/2000/06/17/espana/961241387.html es El Mundo Madrid 24 April 2025 The election of the secretary-general was on the basis of indirect suffrage through the delegates.Díez Anabel 11 April 2000 La gestora del PSOE deja en manos del congreso la decisión sobre las primarias https://elpais.com/diario/2000/04/11/espana/955404019_850215.html es El País Madrid 16 April 2025 The system and procedure to elect the new party leadership were a subject of discussion until the congress itself,Díez Anabel 21 April 2000 Los aspirantes a dirigir el PSOE podrán presentarse incluso en pleno congreso de julio https://elpais.com/diario/2000/04/21/espana/956268007_850215.html es El País Madrid 16 April 2025 occasionally together with the selection procedure for prime ministerial nominees and the use of the primary election system. A proposal establishing a split-vote was approved and adopted: a first ballot was to elect the person occupying the post of secretary-general under plurality voting, then a second vote was to be held on the composition of the new leader's proposed executive commission.Díez Anabel 18 July 2000 https://elpais.com/diario/2000/07/18/espana/963871202_850215.html El nuevo líder del partido será elegido en una única vuelta es El País Madrid 16 April 2025Díez Anabel 22 July 2000 https://elpais.com/diario/2000/07/22/espana/964216804_850215.html El primer día, polémica por las normas es El País Madrid 16 April 2025 Candidates seeking to run were required to collect the endorsements of at least 10% of congress delegates,Rusiñol Pere 22 July 2000 Los candidatos pugnan por reunir el mayor número de avales https://elpais.com/diario/2000/07/22/espana/964216830_850215.html es El País Madrid 15 April 2025 a requirement introduced to prevent spontaneous, phony candidacies.Díez Anabel 19 June 2000 https://elpais.com/diario/2000/06/19/espana/961365611_850215.html Chaves pactará con los 'barones' socialistas el método para elegir al secretario general es El País Madrid 16 April 2025 Concurrently, candidates seeking to access the party resources for their campaigns were required to previously secure the endorsement of at least 10% of the members in the Federal Committee.Díez Anabel 16 May 2000 El PSOE sólo facilitará la campaña a los candidatos que avale el Comité Federal https://elpais.com/diario/2000/05/16/espana/958428010_850215.html es El País Madrid 16 April 2025Díez Anabel 16 May 2000 Temor en la dirección a las plataformas de apoyo https://elpais.com/diario/2000/05/16/espana/958428011_850215.html es El País Madrid 16 April 2025 The selection of the candidate for prime minister through primaries was postponed until after the congress.Díez Anabel 18 April 2000 https://elpais.com/diario/2000/04/18/espana/956008821_850215.html El PSOE pospone hasta después del congreso de julio la elección de su candidato a La Moncloa es El País Madrid 15 April 2025 Timetable The key dates of the congress process are listed below (all times are CET),7 June 2000 Bono confirmará en los próximos días su candidatura para liderar el PSOE https://elpais.com/diario/2000/06/07/espana/960328803_850215.html es El País Madrid 25 March 2022 as approved by the Political Commission in a meeting on 10 April 2000:10 April 2000 https://www.servimedia.es/noticias/psoe-comision-politica-aprueba-calendario-35-congreso-federal-psoe/1411073472 PSOE. La Comisión Política aprueba el calendario del 35 Congreso Federal del PSOE es Servimedia Madrid 16 April 2025 22 March: Official announcement of the congress. 10 April: Approval of the congress' timetable. 2 June: Start of local assemblies to elect representatives to the provincial, regional and island conventions. 11 June: Deadline for local assemblies to be held. 12 June: Start of provincial, regional and island conventions to elect party delegates. 25 June: Deadline for provincial, regional and island conventions to be held. 21 July: Start of federal congress. 22 July: Election of the secretary-general. 23 July: Election of party governing bodies; end of federal congress. Candidates Candidate Notable positions Announced Ref. ReferencesQualified Candidates who met endorsement requirements and qualified to contest the party congress. center|75px Rosa Díez(age 1952 5 27 2000 7 23) President of the PSOE Delegation in the European Parliament (since 1999)Member of the European Parliament for Spain (since 1999)Member of the Basque Parliament for Biscay (1990–1999)Minister of Trade, Consumer Affairs and Tourism of the Basque Country (1991–1998)City Councillor of Güeñes (1987–1991)Member of the Basque Parliament for Álava (1987–1990)Second Vice President of the General Assembly of Biscay (1983–1987)Member of the General Assembly of Biscay for Encartaciones (1983–1987)Member of the General Assembly of Biscay for Valmaseda (1979–1983) 4 May 2000 Díez Anabel 4 May 2000 Rosa Díez formaliza hoy en Madrid su candidatura a la secretaría general https://elpais.com/diario/2000/05/04/espana/957391217_850215.html es El País Madrid 15 April 2025OTR Press 4 May 2000 Rosa Díez presenta hoy su candidatura a la Secretaría General del PSOE https://www.ultimahora.es/noticias/nacional/2000/05/04/914491/rosa-diez-presenta-hoy-su-candidatura-a-la-secretaria-general-del-psoe.html es Última Hora 25 March 2022OTR Press 5 May 2000 Rosa Díez presenta su candidatura para liderar el PSOE, sola y sin "padrinos" https://www.ultimahora.es/noticias/nacional/2000/05/05/914341/rosa-diez-presenta-su-candidatura-para-liderar-el-psoe-sola-y-sin-padrinos.html es Última Hora 25 March 2022 center|75px Matilde Fernández(age 1950 1 24 2000 7 23) City Councillor of Madrid (since 1999)President of the PSC–PSOE (since 1997)Member of the Congress of Deputies for Cantabria (1989–2000)Member of the PSOE Executive Commission (1984–1997)Minister of Social Affairs of Spain (1988–1993) 27 May 2000 EFE 23 May 2000 Los guerristas lanzan a Matilde Fernández al liderazgo del PSOE https://www.lavozdegalicia.es/noticia/espana/2000/05/23/guerristas-lanzan-matilde-fernandez-liderazgo-psoe/0003_42373.htm es La Voz de Galicia Madrid 25 March 2022Á. Regatero José 28 May 2000 El ala izquierda del PSOE crea un frente contra el sector oficialista de José Bono https://www.lavozdegalicia.es/noticia/espana/2000/05/28/ala-izquierda-psoe-crea-frente-contra-sector-oficialista-jose-bono/0003_49983.htm es La Voz de Galicia Madrid 25 March 2022Díez Anabel 28 May 2000 Guerra denuncia la "postración" del PSOE y propone a Matilde Fernández como líder https://elpais.com/diario/2000/05/28/espana/959464814_850215.html es El País Madrid 15 April 2025Colpisa Olmo S. Cañete P. 5 June 2000 Los borrellistas niegan un pacto con la candidata guerrista Matilde Fernández https://www.lavozdegalicia.es/noticia/espana/2000/06/05/borrellistas-niegan-pacto-candidata-guerrista-matilde-fernandez/0003_59291.htm es La Voz de Galicia Madrid / Seville 17 April 2025 center|75px José Bono(age 1950 12 14 2000 7 23) Member of the PSOE Executive Commission (since 1990)Member of the Cortes of Castilla–La Mancha for Toledo (since 1987)President of the Regional Government of Castilla–La Mancha (since 1983)President of the PSCM–PSOE (1990–1997)Secretary-General of the PSCM–PSOE (1988–1990)Member of the Cortes of Castilla–La Mancha for Albacete (1983–1987)Member of the Congress of Deputies for Albacete (1979–1983)Fourth Secretary of the Congress of Deputies (1979–1982) 17 June 2000 EFE 18 June 2000 Bono hace oficial su candidatura a liderar el PSOE desde la independencia https://www.ultimahora.es/noticias/nacional/2000/06/18/907145/bono-hace-oficial-su-candidatura-a-liderar-el-psoe-desde-la-independencia.html es Última Hora Toledo 25 March 2022Díez Anabel 18 June 2000 Bono exige un liderazgo sin cortapisas https://elpais.com/diario/2000/06/18/espana/961279201_850215.html es El País Madrid 15 April 2025 center|75px José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero(age 1960 8 4 2000 7 23) Member of the PSOE Executive Commission (since 1997)Secretary-General of the PSOE in the province of León (since 1988)Member of the Congress of Deputies for León (since 1986) 25 June 2000 Elordi Cué Carlos 26 June 2000 Zapatero se presenta y rechaza la idea de una refundación del PSOE https://elpais.com/diario/2000/06/26/espana/961970413_850215.html es El País León 25 March 2022 Declined The individuals in this section were the subject of speculation about their possible candidacy, but publicly denied or recanted interest in running: Cristina Alberdi (age 1946 2 22 2000 7 23) — Member of the Congress of Deputies for Madrid (since 2000); President of the FSM–PSOE (since 1997); Member of the Congress of Deputies for Málaga (1996–2000); Minister of Social Affairs of Spain (1993–1996).Díez Anabel 13 May 2000 Alberdi se plantea aspirar al liderazgo del PSOE "por responsabilidad con las mujeres" https://elpais.com/diario/2000/05/13/espana/958168808_850215.html es El País Madrid 16 April 2025Agencias 13 May 2000 Alberdi da marcha atrás y anuncia que no aspirará a liderar el PSOE https://www.elmundo.es/elmundo/2000/05/13/espana/958222281.html es El Mundo Madrid 25 March 2022 Joaquín Almunia (age 1948 6 17 2000 7 23) — Member of the Congress of Deputies for Madrid (since 1979); Leader of the Opposition of Spain (1997–1998 and 1999–2000); Secretary-General of the PSOE (1997–2000); Spokesperson of the Socialist Group of the Congress (1994–1997); Secretary of Studies and Programs of the PSOE (1981–1984 and 1994–1997); Minister of Public Administrations of Spain (1986–1991); Minister of Labour and Social Security of Spain (1982–1986); Secretary of Trade Union Policy of the PSOE (1979–1981).Díez Anabel 13 March 2000 Joaquín Almunia asume la derrota y dimite https://elpais.com/diario/2000/03/13/espana/952902020_850215.html es El País Madrid 25 March 2022 Juan Alberto Belloch (age 1950 3 2 2000 7 23) — Senator for Zaragoza (since 2000); Spokesperson of the Socialist Group in the City Council of Zaragoza (since 1999); City Councillor of Zaragoza (since 1999); President of the PSOE–Aragon (since 1997); Member of the Congress of Deputies for Zaragoza (1996–2000); Ministry of Justice and Interior of Spain (1994–1996); Ministry of Justice of Spain (1993–1994); Member of the General Council of the Judiciary (1990–1993); President of the Provincial Court of Biscay (1988–1990).Montserrat Concha 28 March 2000 Belloch afirma que se presentará a secretario general si hay primarias https://elpais.com/diario/2000/03/28/espana/954194402_850215.html es El País Zaragoza 16 April 2025Díez Anabel 4 June 2000 https://elpais.com/diario/2000/06/04/espana/960069605_850215.html Los candidatos a la dirección del PSOE aplazan las alianzas es El País Madrid 16 April 2025 Josep Borrell (age 1947 4 24 2000 7 23) — Member of the Congress of Deputies for Barcelona (since 1986); Member of the PSOE Executive Commission (1997–2000); Leader of the Opposition of Spain (1998–1999); Spokesperson of the Socialist Group of the Congress (1998–1999); Minister of Public Works, Transport and Environment of Spain (1993–1996); Minister of Public Works and Urbanism of Spain (1991–1993); Secretary of State of Finance of Spain (1984–1991); Secretary-General of Budget and Public Expenditure of Spain (1982–1984); City Councillor of Majadahonda (1979–1983).Jiménez Titos Francisco 21 May 2000 Los borrellistas tendrán candidato https://elpais.com/diario/2000/05/21/espana/958860001_850215.html es El País Granada 15 April 2025 Manuel Chaves (age 1945 7 7 2000 7 23) — President of the PSOE Political Commission (since 2000); Secretary-General of the PSOE–A (since 1994); President of the Regional Government of Andalusia (since 1990); Member of the Parliament of Andalusia for Cádiz (since 1990); Member of the PSOE Executive Commission (1981–1984 and since 1990); Minister of Labour and Social Security of Spain (1986–1990); Member of the Congress of Deputies for Cádiz (1977–1990); Secretary of Economy of the PSOE (1984–1988).15 June 2000 Guerra dice que sería "un fraude" que Chaves fuese candidato https://elpais.com/diario/2000/06/15/espana/961020002_850215.html es El País Madrid 17 April 2025 Felipe González (age 1942 3 5 2000 7 23) – Member of the Congress of Deputies for Seville (since 2000); Member of the Congress of Deputies for Madrid (1977–2000); Leader of the Opposition of Spain (1996–1997); Secretary-General of the PSOE (1974–1979 and 1979–1997); Prime Minister of Spain (1982–1996); President pro tempore of the Council of the European Union (1989 and 1995); Spokesperson of the Congress Socialist Parliamentary Group (1977–1979).14 May 2000 Barullo de candidatos https://elpais.com/diario/2000/05/14/opinion/958255201_850215.html es El País 17 April 202521 May 2000 Díez Anabel González llama al orden al PSOE https://elpais.com/diario/2000/05/21/espana/958860010_850215.html es El País Madrid 15 April 2025 Juan Carlos Rodríguez Ibarra (age 1948 1 19 2000 7 23) — President of the Regional Government of Extremadura (since 1983); Secretary-General of the PSOE of Extremadura (since 1988); Member of the Assembly of Extremadura for Badajoz (since 1983); Member of the PSOE Executive Commission (1994–1997); Secretary-General of the PSOE of Badajoz (1979–1988); Member of the Congress of Deputies for Badajoz (1977–1983); Minister of Health and Social Security of Extremadura (1978–1979).Díez Anabel 20 May 2000 Los guerristas quieren cerrar el paso a los que condujeron al PSOE "por la senda equivocada" https://elpais.com/diario/2000/05/20/espana/958773611_850215.html es El País Madrid 16 April 202521 April 2000 Cuatro nombres https://elpais.com/diario/2000/04/21/espana/956268008_850215.html es El País Madrid 25 March 2022 Pasqual Maragall (age 1941 1 13 2000 7 23) — President of the PSC (since 2000); Member of the Parliament of Catalonia for Barcelona (1988–1995 and since 1999); President of the European Committee of the Regions (since 1996–1998); Mayor of Barcelona (1982–1997); City Councillor of Barcelona (1979–1997); Deputy Mayor for Administrative Organization and Reform of Barcelona (1979–1982).Cifuentes Pedro 31 March 2000 Vázquez anima a Maragall a competir por la jefatura del PSOE en julio https://elpais.com/diario/2000/03/31/espana/954453616_850215.html es El País Madrid 17 April 20256 April 2000 Maragall afirma que está dispuesto a "echar el resto" por el PSC https://elpais.com/diario/2000/04/06/catalunya/954983243_850215.html es El País Barcelona 17 April 2025 Pre-congress Party members and officials started organizing into internal lobbying groups ahead of the congress: joining the previously-existing factions of renovadores (which had formed the party apparatus during Almunia's tenure and the last part of González's), guerristas (supporters of Alfonso Guerra) and the Socialist Left (IS) current were the "Initiative for Change" or borrellistas (formed by supporters of Josep Borrell under the leadership of Manuel Escudero, who advocated for the introduction of term limits, primary elections and a democratization of the party),17 March 2000 Seguidores de Borrell piden que no decidan unos pocos https://elpais.com/diario/2000/03/17/espana/953247608_850215.html es El País Madrid 17 April 2025Díez Anabel 19 April 2000 Los borrellistas piden primarias para elegir al líder del PSOE y limitar el tiempo en los cargos https://elpais.com/diario/2000/04/19/espana/956095209_850215.html es El País Madrid 17 April 2025Díez Anabel 20 April 2000 Iniciativa por el Cambio aspira a que en el PSOE no haya "etiquetas" https://elpais.com/diario/2000/04/20/espana/956181603_850215.html es El País Madrid 17 April 2025 and the New Labour-inspired "New Way" (formed by a younger generation of party members who advocated for the PSOE's modernization, nominally led by José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, a deputy for León).Díez Anabel 14 April 2000 Los diputados jóvenes quieren que el líder del PSOE sea Rodríguez Zapatero https://elpais.com/diario/2000/04/14/espana/955663204_850215.html es El País Madrid 16 April 2025Díez Anabel 24 April 2000 Nueva Vía propone reorientar al PSOE hacia el "mejor liberalismo" https://elpais.com/diario/2000/04/24/espana/956527214_850215.html es El País Madrid 16 April 2025Díez Anabel 6 May 2000 Rodríguez Zapatero propone un nuevo socialismo que impulse la iniciativa privada https://elpais.com/diario/2000/05/06/espana/957564004_850215.html es El País Madrid 16 April 2025 President of Castilla–La Mancha José Bono, regarded as the initial favourite as well as the candidate of the party apparatus, quickly expressed his interest in running in order to present a credible alternative to the ruling PP;Díez Anabel 17 March 2000 Bono se muestra dispuesto a asumir la nueva dirección del PSOE y recuperar las primarias https://elpais.com/diario/2000/03/17/espana/953247607_850215.html es El País Madrid 16 April 2025Díez Anabel 7 May 2000 Bono anuncia que su objetivo es luchar por la presidencia del Gobierno https://elpais.com/diario/2000/05/07/espana/957650404_850215.html es El País Madrid 16 April 2025Díez Anabel 18 May 2000 Bono da por hecho que presentará su candidatura para liderar el PSOE https://elpais.com/diario/2000/05/18/espana/958600822_850215.html es El País Madrid 16 April 2025 he represented the party's more moderate and Christian left wing.Pascual Bueno 2016 124–125 Rosa Díez, the leader of the PSOE delegation in the European Parliament, had been the first to announce her candidacy on 4 May,Cifuentes Pedro 3 May 2000 Rosa Díez planea lanzar en breve su candidatura para dirigir el PSOE https://elpais.com/diario/2000/05/03/espana/957304813_850215.html es El País Madrid 16 April 2025 presenting herself as a candidate without sponsors and appealing to classical social democratic positions with a participatory approach to internal party affairs.4 May 2000 PSOE. El manifiesto de Rosa Díez propugna un PSOE que lidere la izquierda con un proyecto autónomo y socialdemócrata https://www.servimedia.es/noticias/psoe-manifiesto-rosa-diez-propugna-psoe-lidere-izquierda-proyecto-autonomo-socialdemocrata/1411042580 es Servimedia Madrid 1 October 2025Pascual Bueno 2016 125–126 Guerra's allies launched the candidacy of former social affairs minister Matilde Fernández,Díez Anabel 22 May 2000 https://elpais.com/diario/2000/05/22/espana/958946418_850215.html Buscar adeptos para la causa es El País Madrid 16 April 2025 representing a democratic socialist platform supported by the guerristas, borrelistas and Socialist Left factions,Díez Anabel 24 May 2000 https://elpais.com/diario/2000/05/24/espana/959119223_850215.html Guerristas, borrellistas e Izquierda Socialista intentan fraguar un "ala izquierda" en el PSOE es El País Madrid 18 April 2025Pascual Bueno 2016 125 as well as an opposition front to Bono. Finally, Zapatero and his New Way platform advocated for a profound renewal of the party's leadership, ideological project, organizational model and relationship with society.Pascual Bueno 2016 124 Others, such as former justice and interior minister Juan Alberto Belloch, announced a willingness to run but conditioned it to primaries being held to elect the new secretary-general. The open nature of the contest led to a proliferation of potential candidates—many of them without any chance of successDíez Anabel Elordi Cué Carlos 12 May 2000 Críticas generalizadas entre los dirigentes del PSOE por la súbita proliferación de candidatos https://elpais.com/diario/2000/05/12/espana/958082423_850215.html es El País Madrid 16 April 2025—which prompted the Political Commission to set out rules to rationalize the process and re-evaluate an initial intention to provide contenders with resources for their campaigns.Díez Anabel 16 April 2000 https://elpais.com/diario/2000/04/16/espana/955836014_850215.html El PSOE propondrá "una fórmula abierta" para designar al candidato a La Moncloa es El País Madrid 15 April 2025Díez Anabel 11 May 2000 La proliferación de aspirantes a dirigir el PSOE obligará a la gestora a "racionalizar" el proceso https://elpais.com/diario/2000/05/11/espana/957996009_850215.html es El País Madrid 16 April 2025Díez Anabel 15 May 2000 El PSOE limita las ayudas a los candidatos y les aboca a dirigir sus campañas a los delegados y no a las bases https://elpais.com/diario/2000/05/15/espana/958341616_850215.html es El País Madrid 16 April 2025 Efforts were done by various party sectors to prevent "behind-the-scenes" agreements between candidates that could give an impression that the congressional outcome was already predetermined beforehand.Díez Anabel 20 May 2000 https://elpais.com/diario/2000/05/20/espana/958773612_850215.html González, Bono y Chaves piden a las bases que no den ningún crédito a los rumores sobre pactos entre ellos es El País Madrid 16 April 2025Aguilar Antonio 20 May 2000 https://elpais.com/diario/2000/05/20/espana/958773613_850215.html Díez dice que los acuerdos entre bambalinas son "del pasado" es El País Murcia 16 April 2025 The election of delegates to the congress concluded on 25 June.Díez Anabel 25 June 2000 Los congresos provinciales evidencian la división del PSOE https://elpais.com/diario/2000/06/25/espana/961884006_850215.html es El País Madrid 16 April 2025Díez Anabel 26 June 2000 https://elpais.com/diario/2000/06/26/espana/961970411_850215.html La mayoría de los 998 delegados del PSOE sigue sin decantarse por ningún candidato es El País Madrid 16 April 2025 Congress Election rules The congress started without a clear system and procedure to elect the new party leadership; among the options discussed were the maintainment of the previous system—electing the whole executive commission, including the secretary-general, in a single vote by congress delegates28 June 2000 https://elpais.com/diario/2000/06/28/espana/962143216_850215.html La gestora del PSOE apuesta por un sistema de elección que propicia un pacto entre candidatos es El País Madrid 16 April 2025—or holding separate votes for the post of secretary-general and the proposed list of members for the new executive commission.Díez Anabel 4 May 2000 https://elpais.com/diario/2000/05/04/espana/957391215_850215.html La gestora deja abiertas dos formas de elección del secretario general es El País Madrid 15 April 2025 The split-vote option was divisive: supporters defended that it allowed defeated candidates and their allies to be integrated in the executive commission that would be elected in a later vote, whereas opponents argued that it would give the future secretary-general a weakened mandate.Díez Anabel 20 June 2000 https://elpais.com/diario/2000/06/20/espana/961452012_850215.html Chaves deja en manos de los 'barones' el acuerdo sobre la forma de elegir al líder del PSOE es El País Madrid 15 April 2025 The election of the secretary-general through a single ballot or a two-round system was also discussed,Díez Anabel 1 June 2000 https://elpais.com/diario/2000/06/01/espana/959810419_850215.html Díez propone una segunda vuelta si ningún candidato a liderar el PSOE logra mayoría es El País Madrid 16 April 202523 June 2000 https://elpais.com/diario/2000/06/23/espana/961711222_850215.html Bono asegura que él no acudirá a una segunda vuelta para la elección de líder es El País Madrid 16 April 20251 July 2000 https://elpais.com/diario/2000/07/01/espana/962402417_850215.html Las candidatas, a favor de la segunda vuelta es El País Madrid 16 April 2025 with the Political Commission formally proposing a first ballot under plurality voting for the office of secretary-general, then a second vote on the new leader's proposed executive.15 July 2000 https://elpais.com/diario/2000/07/15/espana/963612015_850215.html Chaves trasladará a la gestora que la mayoría del PSOE quiere elegir al líder en una vuelta es El País Madrid 16 April 2025 Ultimately, the choice was put up to a vote by the delegates themselves,Díez Anabel 29 June 2000 https://elpais.com/diario/2000/06/29/espana/962229608_850215.html La gestora socialista busca que el nuevo líder tenga una "mayoría sólida" es El País Madrid 16 April 2025Díez Anabel 19 July 2000 https://elpais.com/diario/2000/07/19/espana/963957604_850215.html Rosa Díez y Matilde Fernández llevarán hasta el congreso la petición de segunda vuelta es El País Madrid / Seville 16 April 2025Díez Anabel 21 July 2000 https://elpais.com/diario/2000/07/21/espana/964130412_850215.html El primer día, polémica por las normas es El País Madrid 16 April 2025 which voted to support the Political Commission's proposal. Choice Rules for SG Secretary-General electionPolitical Commission's proposal to elect the party's secretary-general on the basis of plurality voting. Votes % Yes 543 65.66 No 252 30.47 Abstentions 32 3.87 Total 827 Valid votes 827 100.00 Invalid votes 0 0.00 Votes cast / turnout 827 82.87 Not voting 171 17.13 Total delegates 998 SourcesRusiñol Pere 23 July 2000 Procedimiento atractivo https://elpais.com/diario/2000/07/23/espana/964303207_850215.html es El País Madrid 16 April 2025 Endorsements + Summary of candidate endorsement results Candidate Count % T % over total delegates % V % over valid endorsements José Bono 350 35.07 47.43 José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero 184 18.44 24.93 Rosa Díez 103 10.32 13.96 Matilde Fernández 101 10.12 13.69 Total 738 Valid endorsements 738 73.95 Invalid endorsements / Not endorsing 260 26.05 Total delegates 998 Sources22 July 2000 PSOE. Bono supera a los demás candidatos en avales presentados https://www.servimedia.es/noticias/psoe-bono-supera-demas-candidatos-avales-presentados/1411051100 es Servimedia Madrid 16 April 20253 May 2017 Qué dice la historia del PSOE: el triunfo en los avales anticipa la victoria en las urnas https://www.elconfidencial.com/espana/2017-05-03/crisis-psoe-historia-triunfo-avales-anticipa-victoria-votos_1375021/ es El Confidencial 25 March 2022Pascual Bueno 2016 126 Endorsements by delegates #ddd 450px 500px Bono #F27D26 47.43 Zapatero #E3035F 24.93 Díez #E35BAD 13.96 Fernández #22B14C 13.69 Opinion polls Poll results are listed in the tables below in reverse chronological order, showing the most recent first, and using the date the survey's fieldwork was done, as opposed to the date of publication. If such date is unknown, the date of publication is given instead. The highest percentage figure in each polling survey is displayed in bold, and the background shaded in the candidate's colour. In the instance of a tie, the figures with the highest percentages are shaded. Polls show data gathered among PSOE voters/supporters as well as Spanish voters as a whole, but not among party delegates, who were the ones ultimately entitled to vote in the congress. PSOE voters Polling firm/Commissioner Fieldwork date Sample size 55px 55px 55px 55px 55px 55px 55px 55px 55px 55px Other/None Lead Bono Díez Fernández Zapatero González Borrell Chaves Guerra Maragall Solana Congress election 22 Jul 2000 PSOE delegates. 40.7 6.5 11.0 41.6 – – – – – – 0.3 0.9 ASEPSondeo 'La Opinión Pública de los Españoles' (ASEP, España) http://www.jdsurvey.net/jds/jdsurveyContents.jsp?Idioma=E&SeccionTexto=05 es Banco de datos ASEP/JDS 15 April 2025 3–8 Jul 2000 1,218 35.0 19.7 3.0 5.5 – – – – – – 10.3 26.5 15.3 ASEP 5–10 Jun 2000 1,211 10.8 12.4 0.8 1.2 35.7 7.3 2.8 1.6 2.4 3.2 1.2 20.4 23.3 ASEP 10–15 Apr 2000 1,210 10.3 3.3 – – 37.0 14.0 7.4 1.2 2.8 3.7 3.2 16.9 23.0 Spanish voters Polling firm/Commissioner Fieldwork date Sample size 55px 55px 55px 55px 55px 55px 55px 55px 55px 55px Other/None Lead Bono Díez Fernández Zapatero González Borrell Chaves Guerra Maragall Solana Sigma Dos/El MundoBono sería el mejor líder posible del PSOE para el 35 por ciento de los españoles https://www.elmundo.es/2000/07/17/index.html es El Mundo 17 July 2000El PSOE elige al sucesor de Felipe https://www.lr21.com.uy/mundo/16800-el-psoe-elige-al-sucesor-de-felipe es La Red 21 20 July 2000 17 Jul 2000? 35.0 24.0 5.0 11.0 – – – – – – 25.0 11.0 ASEP 3–8 Jul 2000 1,218 23.1 16.5 3.1 4.1 – – – – – – 4.6 48.5 6.6 ASEP 5–10 Jun 2000 1,211 7.8 8.5 1.3 0.8 17.0 4.5 2.6 1.1 2.8 3.2 1.3 49.1 8.5 ASEP 10–15 Apr 2000 1,210 6.3 2.6 – – 17.9 6.5 5.1 0.9 3.5 4.9 3.9 48.5 11.4 Results Overall + Summary of the 22–23 July 2000 congress results Candidate SG Secretary-General Executive Executive Commission Committee Federal Committee Votes % Votes % Votes % José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero 414 41.61 865 90.20 856 90.68 José Bono 405 40.70 colspan="6" Eliminated Matilde Fernández 109 10.95 colspan="6" Eliminated Rosa Díez 65 6.53 colspan="6" Eliminated Blank ballots 2 0.20 94 9.80 88 9.32 Total 995 959 944 Valid votes 995 100.00 959 99.48 944 99.37 Invalid votes 0 0.00 5 0.52 6 0.63 Votes cast / turnout 995 99.70 964 96.59 950 95.19 Not voting 3 0.30 34 3.41 48 4.81 Total delegates 998 998 998 SourcesLozano Carles https://www.historiaelectoral.com/psoe.html Partido Socialista Obrero Español. Partit dels Socialistes de Catalunya, P.Socialista de Euskadi E.E., Partido Socialista Popular, PSOE histórico es Historia Electoral.com 16 March 2023Díez Anabel 23 July 2000 Zapatero gana a Bono por sólo 9 votos https://elpais.com/diario/2000/07/23/espana/964303201_850215.html es El País Madrid 24 March 2022Díez Anabel 24 July 2000 Zapatero recupera la unidad del PSOE https://elpais.com/diario/2000/07/24/espana/964389615_850215.html es El País Madrid 24 March 2022Brunet José María 24 July 2000 Zapatero hace tabla rasa y le ovacionan https://hemeroteca.lavanguardia.com/preview/2000/07/24/pagina-11/34091105/pdf.html es La Vanguardia Madrid 16 April 2025Pascual Bueno 2016 127 Vote by delegates (Secretary-General) #ddd 450px 500px Zapatero #E3035F 41.61 Bono #F27D26 40.70 Fernández #22B14C 10.95 Díez #E35BAD 6.53 Blank ballots #DDDDDD 0.20 Vote by delegates (Executive Commission) #ddd 450px 500px Zapatero #E3035F 90.20 Blank ballots #DDDDDD 9.80 Vote by delegates (Federal Committee) #ddd 450px 500px Zapatero #E3035F 90.68 Blank ballots #DDDDDD 9.32 Executive composition The Executive Commission was renewed almost entirely, with only four outgoing members—including José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero—remaining.Agencias 23 July 2000 Chaves y Zapatero, los nuevos líderes del PSOE https://www.elmundo.es/elmundo/2000/07/21/espana/964149863.html es El Mundo Madrid 17 April 202525 July 2000 Zapatero comienza a trabajar por el «cambio tranquilo» del PSOE https://www.elmundo.es/elmundo/2000/07/23/espana/964333774.html es El Mundo Madrid 17 April 2025 The average age of members was 42.8 years, and of its 25 members—eight fewer than the previous executive commission—10 were women.8 April 2003 http://www.psoe.es/ambito/historiapsoe/docs/index.do?action=View&id=999 Comienza el cambio tranquilo (julio de 2000) es Spanish Socialist Workers' Party https://web.archive.org/web/20061229214518/http://www.psoe.es/ambito/historiapsoe/docs/index.do?action=View&id=999 18 April 2025 29 December 2006 Executive posts: #DDDDDD Leader 1px solid #AAAAAA #FFFFFF Permanent commission 1px solid #AAAAAA + PSOE federal executive commission Post Officeholder President Manuel Chaves Secretary-General José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero Secretary of Organization and Electoral Action José Blanco Secretary of Institutional Relations Nicolás Redondo Terreros Secretary of Innovation and Internal Communication Enrique Martínez Marín Secretary of International Relations Trinidad Jiménez Secretary of Economic Policy Jordi Sevilla Secretary of Employment, Social Policies and Immigration Consuelo Rumí Secretary of Environment and Regional Planning Cristina Narbona Secretary of Education, Higher Education, Culture and Research Carme Chacón Secretary of Equality Micaela Navarro Secretary of Public Liberties and Development of Autonomous Communities Juan Fernando López Aguilar Secretary of Consumers and Users Isabel Pozuelo Secretary of Relations with NGOs and Social Movements Leire Pajín Secretary of Cities and Municipal Policy Álvaro Cuesta Member without portfolio Emilio Pérez Touriño Member without portfolio José Montilla Member without portfolio Francesc Antich Member without portfolio José Luis Asenjo Member without portfolio Lentxu Rubial Member without portfolio Ramón Ortiz Member without portfolio Basilia Sanz Member without portfolio Marcelino Iglesias Member without portfolio Gloria Calero Member without portfolio José María Barreda Notes References Opinion poll sources "p" Other Bibliography Sanz Díaz Benito 2015 Primarias en España. Se inicia la era posfelipista. 34 congreso PSOE. 1997. Almunia versus Borrell. 24 de abril de 1998 https://roderic.uv.es/items/0a657b30-9dda-43e1-bc4e-7a4114fc3e10 es Elecciones primarias en España. 1993-2015 Valencia University of Valencia 10550/44646 dmy-all Pascual Bueno Ernesto M. PhD 2016 Selección de Líderes y Candidatos a la Presidencia del Gobierno (1976-2016). "El jardín secreto del PSOE" https://ddd.uab.cat/pub/tesis/2016/hdl_10803_400077/empb1de1.pdf es Barcelona Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona dmy-all Ramiro Luis 2016 Effects of party primaries on electoral performance: The Spanish Socialist primaries in local elections https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1354068813514884 en Party Politics 22 1 Sage Journals 125–136 10.1177/1354068813514884 dmy-all subscription Category:2000 in Madrid Category:2000 conferences Category:2000 elections in Spain Category:2000 political party leadership elections Category:July 2000 in Spain 2000