Más Madrid and Izquierda Unida have begun discussions to run together in the municipal elections of 2027 in Collado Villalba. Podemos claims to have been excluded from the process after months of negotiations with IU.
The move, which aims to create a progressive alternative to the current government of Mariola Vargas (PP), has prompted an immediate reaction from Podemos. The purple party asserts that it had been in talks with IU for five months when it found the door closed.
An open process, but with exclusions
The spokesperson for Más Madrid in the municipality, Gonzalo Díaz, clarified that the announcement does not represent a "closed candidacy or a definitive agreement", but rather the intention to explore a common project. The process, as detailed by the organizations, will unfold gradually to address programmatic and organizational issues, with the aim of also incorporating social groups and independent residents.
However, Podemos Collado Villalba claims to have even submitted a formal proposal for an organizational agreement during the spring. According to the purple party, Más Madrid conveyed a directive "No Podemos" a few weeks ago, which was followed by silence from IU until the announcement this past Wednesday.
"No Podemos," was the directive that, according to Podemos, Más Madrid communicated to IU, excluding the purple party from the dialogue.
Podemos warns that this division could lead to the municipality being under a government where the PSOE "makes and breaks" or the current management of the PP continues. Collado Villalba is currently governed by Mariola Vargas of the Popular Party, which needs a united opposition to be ousted from power.
IU defends its decision with 93% support
In response to these criticisms, the spokesperson for IU, Ángel, emphasized that their local assembly endorsed the start of negotiations with Más Madrid with 93 percent of votes in favour. "We have not voted against an agreement with Podemos," clarified the spokesperson, who stressed that unity is built through "daily work and mutual trust" and not through statements.
For the residents of Collado Villalba, this fragmentation of the left could translate into a loss of opportunities to change the course of the municipality. Local polls suggest that a broad left-wing coalition could snatch the mayoralty from the PP, but internal disagreements complicate matters.
The deadline to register electoral coalitions with the Electoral Board is still far off, but the parties are already making moves. Discussions between Más Madrid and IU will continue in the coming weeks, while Podemos hopes to be readmitted to the dialogue table. For now, the left in Villalba is walking separately.
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