PSOE-M sparks controversy: links Ayuso with Nazis and far-right leaders

PSOE-M has inaugurated its XV regional Congress with a controversial communication strategy. A video shown at the event links Isabel Díaz Ayuso with Nazi ideology demonstrations in Spain.

It also associates her with international right-wing leaders and shows her alongside Elon Musk and Latino voters of Donald Trump. The images depict scenes of immigrants crying under the threat of deportation in the United States.

The general secretary of PSOE-M, Óscar López, has led the event in Leganés. During the projection, Javier Milei appeared with his famous chainsaw and the awarding of the International Medal of Madrid to the Argentine president.

They also included images of Viktor Orbán and Giorgia Meloni before showing the party's slogan. The chosen phrase was: «We beat them in Spain, we'll beat them in Madrid, the brave left».

Attacks on Ayuso and the video controversy

This slogan clashes with the 2023 election results, where PSOE wasn't the most voted force in Spain. Alberto Núñez Feijóo, leader of the Popular Party, won the general elections.

It's also striking the use of images of conservative leaders with strong popular support in their countries.

The video lasts approximately two minutes and contains attacks on Ayuso for her pandemic management. She is accused of homophobia and associated with repressive immigration policies.

It also includes images of Vox reporter Bertrand Ndongo in an altercation with journalist Ana Pardo de Vera. In the video, the reporter insults him by calling him «dumb, black, and fascist» and throws the microphone at him. The left tried to present the incident as a case of harassment, although the images showed verbal aggression.

The socialist congress has been attended by ministers and PSOE leaders. José Manuel Albares, Félix Bolaños, Santos Cerdán, and Salvador Illa have attended the event.

They all entered the auditorium of the Carlos III University of Leganés to the rhythm of «Maneras de Vivir» by Rosendo. During the event, the socialists reinforced their support for Pedro Sánchez and insisted on their goal of reclaiming Madrid's red belt.

The speeches revolved around criticisms against conservatism and the political right. Óscar López was especially harsh with the president of the Community of Madrid.

Amid applause, he pointed to Ayuso as the «greatest exponent of the far-right's anti-politics». He stated that her strategy is based on tension and hatred to demobilize society.

López lashes out at Ayuso's management

López accused Ayuso of using confrontation to hide her government's incompetence. He claimed that the Community of Madrid has become a «private club» that only benefits a few. He also stated that the Madrid president represents a threat to democratic coexistence.

PSOE-M has used the congress to reinforce its discourse against the right. The formation has tried to present itself as the only progressive alternative in the Community of Madrid.

Despite the criticisms, the socialist party faces a difficult task to regain electoral ground in the region. The chosen polarization strategy has caused debate both inside and outside the event.

The recent regional elections have demonstrated the broad popular support Ayuso enjoys. The Madrid president has managed to consolidate her leadership with increasingly large majorities. In this context, PSOE-M's strategy of focusing its attacks on Ayuso might not yield the expected results.

Meanwhile, as the socialists seek to regain their influence in Madrid, Ayuso continues to strengthen her image. Her direct and confrontational discourse has allowed her to connect with broad sectors of the population.

Time will tell if PSOE-M's strategy achieves its goal or if the Madrid president further consolidates her position.