The Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE) held its 35th federal congress in Madrid from 21 to 23 July 2000, to renovate its governing bodies and establish the party's main lines of action and strategy until the next congress. It was held after the party's defeat in the 2000 general election and the subsequent resignation of then secretary-general, Joaquín Almunia.
Under a plurality voting system, deputy for León José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero unexpectedly won the party leadership with 41.6% of the delegate vote (414 votes), to president of Castilla–La Mancha and initial favourite José Bono's 40.7% (405 votes). Former social affairs minister Matilde Fernández—considered a supporter of former deputy secretary-general Alfonso Guerra (a party faction coloquially referred to as guerristas)—secured 11.0% (109 votes), whereas the leader of the PSOE group in the European Parliament, Rosa Díez, obtained 6.5% (65 votes). Zapatero's victory was attributed in part to some guerristas moving their support away from Fernández 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 in April 2004, a post he would held until 2011.
Background
PSOE secretary-general Joaquín Almunia resigned following the party's defeat in the 2000 Spanish general election, prompting a leadership contest within the party.
Timetable
The key dates are listed below (all times are CET):
- 22 March: Official announcement of the congress.
- 13–15 June: Election of congress delegates.
- 21–23 July: Federal congress.
Candidates
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 54) — 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).
- Joaquín Almunia (age 52) — 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).
- Josep Borrell (age 53) — Member of the Congress of Deputies for Barcelona (since 1986); Leader of the Opposition of Spain (1998–1999); Spokesperson of the Socialist Group of the Congress (1998–1999); Member of the PSOE Executive Committee (1997–1999); 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).
Endorsements
Candidates seeking to run were required to collect the endorsements of at least 10% of congress delegates.
Results
References
Bibliography
