The impact of Javier Lambán on the Winter Olympic Games
Javier Lambán, former president of Aragon and current secretary general of the Aragonese socialists, has been a prominent figure in regional politics. His firm stance against Catalanism and independence has generated controversy and has had significant repercussions on events such as the possible celebration of the Winter Olympic Games in Catalonia and Aragon.
Lambán opposed the distribution of the competitions, which led to the Winter Olympic Games not being held in these regions, as confirmed by the president of the COE, Alejandro Blanco, and the Government of the Generalitat. His position has been the subject of criticism and has generated debate in the political and sporting spheres.
The change in political leadership in Aragon
After leading the Aragon executive since 2019, Lambán lost the Aragonese presidency in May 2023. The Spanish right obtained an absolute majority in the elections, which marked a significant change in the political landscape of the region.
Despite this loss, Lambán continues as general secretary of the PSOE in Aragon and was named regional senator after the general elections of July 23. However, his permanence in the leadership of Aragonese socialism has generated tensions and calls for an extraordinary congress to relieve him.
Internal tensions and calls for an extraordinary congress
Various factions within the PSOE in Aragon have expressed their discontent with Lambán’s permanence as general secretary. While some have demanded an extraordinary congress to replace him, other party leaderships have shown support for Lambán and have called for closing ranks with the current leader, avoiding internal wars.
Disagreement over leadership has led to tensions between provincial leaderships, with calls to respect organic processes and resist external interference. This situation has generated an atmosphere of uncertainty in the future of the PSOE leadership in Aragon.
Perspectives for change and renewal in the leadership of the PSOE in Aragon
Given Lambán’s refusal to resign, it is expected that the socialist executive in Aragon will be renewed in a congressional process in 2025, complying with the deadlines established by the party’s statutes. However, from various regions of Aragon the need for strong and renewed leadership is being raised, especially after the unfavorable results of the PSOE in Galicia.
One possibility that is raised is that the current Minister of Education and government spokesperson, Pilar Alegría, takes over from Lambán to lead Aragón, which reflects the search for a new direction and leadership in the party.