2017 PSOE federal party congress

Susana Díaz became President of the Regional Government of Andalusia and Secretary-General of the PSOE–A succeeding José Antonio Griñán—who had resigned as a result of political fallout derived from the ERE scandal—after a rapid ascent among party ranks throughout the previous years.{{cite news |date=7 September 2013 |title=Susana Díaz jura como presidenta de la Junta de Andalucía |url=http://www.infolibre.es/noticias/politica/2013/09/07/susana_diez_jura_como_presidenta_junta_andalucia_7451_1012.html |language=es |newspaper=infoLibre |access-date=22 March 2017}}{{cite news |author=Europa Press |date=23 November 2013 |title=Susana Díaz, elegida secretaria general del PSOE-A sin votos en contra |url=http://www.lavanguardia.com/politica/20131123/54394793482/susana-diaz-elegida-secretaria-general-del-psoe-a.html |language=es |newspaper=La Vanguardia |location=Granada |access-date=22 March 2017}}{{cite news |author=Agencia EFE |date=23 November 2013 |title=El ascenso vertiginoso de Susana Díaz, eje sobre el que el PSOE pretende un relevo generacional |url=http://www.20minutos.es/noticia/1986363/0/susana-diaz/relevo-generacional/psoe/ |language=es |newspaper=20 minutos |access-date=22 March 2017}} Known for her political ambition, her power and influence grew as she became the leader of the most powerful Spanish Socialist Workers' Party regional federation, as well as premier of the largest and most populous region in Spain.{{cite news |last=Sánchez |first=Manuel |date=23 November 2013 |title=Susana Díaz: la mujer que manda en el PSOE |url=http://www.eldiario.es/politica/Susana-Diaz-mujer-manda-PSOE_0_199830066.html |language=es |newspaper=eldiario.es |access-date=22 March 2017}}{{cite news |last=Bejarano |first=José |date=23 September 2016 |title=Susana Díaz, historia de una gran ambición |url=https://www.ahorasemanal.es/susana-diaz,-historia-de-una-gran-ambicion |language=es |newspaper=Ahora Semanal |access-date=22 March 2017}} Soon, she was publicly acclaimed by party colleagues who considered she had the skills, charisma and political appeal needed for leading the PSOE, and they quickly rallied behind her as a potential contender for the role of Secretary-General after Alfredo Pérez Rubalcaba's announced resignation—as a consequence of the PSOE electoral setback in the 2014 European Parliament election—ushered in a rushed leadership race.{{cite news |date=29 May 2014 |title=Ocho federaciones socialistas apoyan a Susana Díaz como futura líder del PSOE |url=http://www.eldiario.es/politica/socialistas-Madrid-Rioja-Susana-Diaz_0_265274360.html |language=es |newspaper=eldiario.es |access-date=22 March 2017}}{{cite news |location=Europa Press |date=29 May 2014 |title=La mayoría de los 'barones' del PSOE piden a Susana Díaz que "dé un paso" y lidere el partido |url=http://www.20minutos.es/noticia/2153537/0/susana-diaz/barones-psoe/secretario-general-rubalcaba/ |language=es |newspaper=20 minutos |access-date=22 March 2017}} However, the challenge posed by Eduardo Madina—whose pressure forced a primary election to be held on 13 July—,{{cite news |title=Madina apuesta por unas primarias "abiertas a todos los ciudadanos" |url=http://politica.elpais.com/politica/2014/05/26/actualidad/1401112028_051771.html |language=es |newspaper=El País |access-date=2014-05-26}}{{cite news |last=Díez |first=Anabel |date=2 June 2014 |title=Los 200.000 militantes del PSOE votarán a su secretario general el 13 de julio |url=http://politica.elpais.com/politica/2014/06/02/actualidad/1401721028_743269.html |language=es |newspaper=El País |location=Madrid |access-date=22 March 2017}} Díaz's own desire to become party leader by acclamation and not through a bitter leadership contest which could see her popularity eroded, as well as opposition from within the PSOE–A—members of which asked her to remain in Andalusia—motivated Diaz's decision not to run.{{cite news |last=Lucio |first=Lourdes |date=10 June 2014 |title=Susana Díaz renuncia a dirigir al PSOE al no tener garantizada la unidad |url=http://politica.elpais.com/politica/2014/06/10/actualidad/1402380984_669355.html |language=es |newspaper=El País |location=Seville |access-date=22 March 2017}}{{cite news |last=Sanz |first=Luis Ángel |date=10 June 2014 |title=Susana Díaz no se presenta a liderar el PSOE para no desgastarse como presidenta |url=http://www.elmundo.es/espana/2014/06/10/5396a1c1ca47416f438b456c.html |language=es |newspaper=El Mundo |location=Madrid |access-date=22 March 2017}} Nonetheless, Díaz's opposition to Madina for his maneuvers to trigger a party primary and, consequently, thwarting her planned rise, resulted in the PSOE–A backing a dark horse candidate, then-relatively unknown deputy Pedro Sánchez, ahead of the previous federal congress.{{cite news |last=Sánchez |first=Manuel |date=27 June 2014 |title=El apoyo de Susana Díaz permite a Pedro Sanchez superar en avales a Madina |url=http://www.eldiario.es/politica/Pedro-Sanchez-Madina-Susana-Diaz_0_275423230.html |language=es |newspaper=eldiario.es |access-date=2014-06-27}}{{cite news |date=13 July 2014 |title=La sombra de Susana Díaz se alarga sobre Ferraz el día que la militancia elige al secretario general |url=http://www.lainformacion.com/espana/la-sombra-de-susana-diaz-se-alarga-sobre-ferraz-el-dia-que-la-militancia-elige-al-secretario-general_M5j7c6qxQYb2hGUh8Cz275/ |language=es |newspaper=La Información |access-date=22 March 2017}} Thanks to Díaz's support, Sánchez was able to win the primary election by a wide margin and become the new PSOE Secretary-General.{{cite news |last=Romero |first=Juanma |date=13 July 2014 |title=Pedro Sánchez gana de forma rotunda gracias al apoyo masivo en Andalucía |url=http://www.infolibre.es/noticias/politica/2014/07/13/pedro_sanchez_gana_secretaria_general_del_psoe_19517_1012.html |language=es |newspaper=infoLibre |access-date=22 March 2017}}{{cite news |last=Ruiz Sierra |first=Juan |date=14 July 2014 |title=Sánchez gana con claridad |url=http://www.elperiodico.com/es/noticias/politica/sanchez-gana-con-claridad-3377196 |language=es |newspaper=El Periódico de Catalunya |location=Madrid |access-date=22 March 2017}}

However, the alliance between Sánchez and Díaz was short-lived. Díaz's initial plans to become the PSOE candidate at the next general election were impeded by Sánchez's own growing political aspirations.{{cite news |last=López Alba |first=Gonzalo |date=26 October 2014 |title=Pánico electoral en el PSOE |url=http://blogs.elconfidencial.com/espana/interiores/2014-10-26/panico-electoral-en-el-psoe_410819/ |language=es |newspaper=El Confidencial |access-date=22 March 2017}} This, coupled with personal differences derived from Sánchez's management over the party, seen as alienating the different party families, caused both leaders to grow increasingly distrustful of each other and to develop a personal rivalry.{{cite news |last=López Alba |first=Gonzalo |date=16 November 2014 |title=La rivalidad entre Pedro Sánchez y Susana Díaz amenaza la unidad del PSOE |url=http://blogs.elconfidencial.com/espana/interiores/2014-11-16/la-rivalidad-entre-sanchez-y-diaz-amenaza-la-unidad-del-psoe_455925/ |language=es |newspaper=El Confidencial |access-date=22 March 2017}}{{cite news |last=Sanz |first=Gabriel |date=15 May 2015 |title=El PSOE, harto del culebrón Sánchez-Díaz |url=http://www.abc.es/espana/20150515/abci-psoe-harta-culebron-201505150013.html |language=es |newspaper=ABC |location=Málaga |access-date=22 March 2017}} Susana Díaz took advantage of growing criticism to Sánchez's leadership,{{cite news |date=8 December 2014 |title=Los barones del PSOE critican el exceso de protagonismo de Pedro Sánchez |url=http://ecodiario.eleconomista.es/politica/noticias/6308522/12/14/Los-barones-del-PSOE-critican-el-exceso-de-protagonismo-de-Pedro-Sanchez.html |language=es |newspaper=El Economista |access-date=22 March 2017}}{{cite news |author=Colpisa |date=21 December 2014 |title=Susana Díaz expande su influencia interna frente a Pedro Sánchez |url=http://www.diariodenavarra.es/noticias/mas_actualidad/nacional/2014/12/21/susana_diaz_expande_influencia_interna_frente_pedro_sanchez_188360_1031.html |language=es |newspaper=Diario de Navarra |location=Madrid |access-date=22 March 2017}}{{cite news |last=Cruz |first=Marisa |date=10 August 2015 |title=Referentes del PSOE advierten a Pedro Sánchez de que su liderazgo 'pende de un hilo' |url=http://www.elmundo.es/espana/2015/08/10/55c7acf0ca47415d298b4582.html |language=es |newspaper=El Mundo |location=Madrid |access-date=22 March 2017}} succeeding in causing many long-standing rivals within the party—such as Rubalcaba and Carme Chacón, Felipe González and José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, or even Eduardo Madina and Díaz herself; as well as six out of the seven PSOE regional presidents—to abandon their feuds, attracting them to her sphere and uniting them against her former protégé.{{cite news |last=Gil |first=Andrés |date=29 September 2016 |title=¿Cuándo empezó todo? La crisis del PSOE no es de anteayer |url=http://www.eldiario.es/politica/empezo-crisis-PSOE-anteayer_0_564143894.html |language=es |newspaper=eldiario.es |access-date=22 March 2017}}

{{Main|2016 PSOE crisis}}

The 2015 general election had seen the PSOE obtaining its worst results in a general election since the Spanish transition to democracy, with the party reduced to just 90 seats and 5.5 million votes. Left-wing newcomer Podemos had finished within striking distance, winning 69 seats and 5.2 million votes, boosted by massive support from young voters, raising fears among some PSOE leaders that Podemos could eventually replace their party as the dominant Spanish party to the left-of-centre. Secretary-General Pedro Sánchez, who had led the party into the general election and whose leadership had been widely questioned for some time by the critical faction led by Susana Díaz,{{cite news |last=Castro |first=Irene |date=23 December 2015 |title=Los principales barones del PSOE preparan la sucesión de Pedro Sánchez |url=http://www.eldiario.es/politica/PSOE-preparan-sucesion-Pedro-Sanchez_0_465804213.html |language=es |newspaper=eldiario.es |access-date=26 March 2017}} announced he would run for re-election as party leader in the party federal congress initially scheduled for early 2016.{{cite news |author=Europa Press |date=21 December 2015 |title=Pedro Sánchez anuncia a su Ejecutiva que se presentará a la reelección como Secretario General en el próximo congreso |url=http://www.europapress.es/nacional/noticia-pedro-sanchez-anuncia-ejecutiva-presentara-reeleccion-secretario-general-proximo-congreso-20151221120539.html |language=es |publisher=Europa Press |location=Madrid |access-date=26 March 2017}} Díaz, unlike 2014, was now allegedly determined to become new party leader herself by battling Sánchez in the incoming contest,{{cite news |last=Ruiz Sierra |first=Juan |date=22 March 2016 |title=Susana Díaz prepara el asalto a la dirección del PSOE |url=http://www.elperiodico.com/es/noticias/politica/diaz-prepara-asalto-liderazgo-psoe-pedro-sanchez-congreso-psoe-4998355 |language=es |newspaper=El Periódico de Catalunya |access-date=26 March 2017}} intending for the congress to be held as early as March or April 2016, whereas Sánchez sought to have it held in June.{{cite news |last=Sanz |first=Gabriel |date=29 December 2015 |title=Díaz inicia el asalto al poder del PSOE y Sánchez se resiste con sus fieles |url=http://www.abc.es/espana/abci-diaz-inicia-asalto-poder-psoe-y-sanchez-resiste-fieles-201512290118_noticia.html |language=es |newspaper=ABC |location=Madrid |access-date=26 March 2017}} A compromise solution was reached in order to avoid a major clash between both sides, with the congress being scheduled for 21 and 22 May and a primary election to be held on 8 May.{{cite news |last=Ruiz Sierra |first=Juan |date=30 January 2016 |title=El PSOE elegirá el 8 de mayo a su nuevo secretario general |url=http://www.elperiodico.com/es/noticias/politica/sanchez-queria-que-congreso-fuese-junio-andalucia-abril-4858209 |language=es |newspaper=El Periódico de Catalunya |access-date=26 March 2017}}{{cite news |author=Agencias |date=30 January 2016 |title=El PSOE adelanta su Congreso a mayo tras la presión del sector crítico a Pedro Sánchez |url=http://www.20minutos.es/noticia/2660997/0/psoe-congreso/adelanto-mayo/federaciones-criticas-pedro-sanchez/ |language=es |newspaper=20 minutos |access-date=26 March 2017}}{{cite news |last=Castro |first=Irene |date=30 January 2016 |title=Este es el calendario para la lucha interna por el liderazgo del PSOE |url=http://www.eldiario.es/politica/calendario-lucha-interna-liderazgo-PSOE_0_479102328.html |language=es |newspaper=eldiario.es |access-date=26 March 2017}}

Government formation talks nationwide broke down after Sánchez's failed investiture attempt in early March 2016. On 28 March, the PSOE leadership race was postponed indefinitely until a new government was appointed, due to increasing odds of a fresh election being called for 26 June.{{cite news |last1=Robles |first1=Gemma |last2=Mármol |first2=Iolanda |date=28 March 2016 |title=El PSOE aplaza su congreso para evitar la pugna interna ahora |url=http://www.elperiodico.com/es/noticias/politica/psoe-propone-aplazar-congreso-para-elegir-secretario-general-5007814 |language=es |newspaper=El Periódico de Catalunya |access-date=26 March 2017}}{{cite news |last=Marcos |first=José |date=28 March 2016 |title=El retraso del congreso del PSOE aplaza el pulso entre Sánchez y Díaz |url=http://politica.elpais.com/politica/2016/03/28/actualidad/1459160979_153836.html |language=es |newspaper=El País |location=Madrid |access-date=27 March 2017}} The party's performance in the eventual 2016 general election, where it narrowly avoided being decisively overcome by the Unidos Podemos coalition, only temporarily halted criticism from party critics.{{cite news |last=Castaño |first=Federico |date=19 June 2016 |title=26J: los barones no darán margen a Pedro Sánchez para reaccionar en caso de catástrofe electoral |url=http://vozpopuli.com/actualidad/84382-26j-los-barones-no-daran-margen-a-pedro-sanchez-para-reaccionar-en-caso-de-catastrofe-electoral |language=es |newspaper=VozPópuli |access-date=26 March 2017}}{{cite news |author=Agencia EFE |date=27 June 2016 |title=Sánchez evita el 'sorpasso' pero reduce sus opciones de gobernar |url=http://www.lavanguardia.com/politica/20160627/402782116993/sanchez-evita-el-sorpasso-pero-reduce-sus-opciones-de-gobernar.html |language=es |newspaper=La Vanguardia |location=Madrid |access-date=26 March 2017}} Serious setbacks in the Basque and Galician elections held on 25 September, which had been turned by dissenters into an electoral test of Sánchez,{{cite news |author=Agencia EFE |date=22 September 2016 |title=Sánchez vuelve a calibrar su liderazgo en las elecciones gallegas y vascas |url=http://www.lavanguardia.com/politica/20160922/41496989367/sanchez-vuelve-a-calibrar-su-liderazgo-en-las-elecciones-gallegas-y-vascas.html |language=es |newspaper=La Vanguardia |location=Madrid |access-date=26 March 2017}} prompted immediate calls for resignation among his opponents, unleashing a party crisis which weakened Sánchez's standing and indicated a loss of support for him within the party.{{cite news |author=Agencias |date=26 September 2016 |title=Aluvión de voces críticas en el seno del PSOE reclamando un "cambio de rumbo": "Así no podemos seguir" |url=http://www.elmundo.es/espana/2016/09/26/57e8df60e2704e72758b4612.html |language=es |newspaper=El Mundo |location=Madrid |access-date=26 March 2017}} Sánchez refused to step down and instead proposed to have the congress held immediately, scheduling it for 12 and 13 November and the primary election for 23 October, while daring his critics to challenge him in a back-me-or-sack-me vote.{{cite news |last1=Sanz |first1=Luis Ángel |last2=Cruz |first2=Marisa |date=23 September 2016 |title=Sánchez, dispuesto a convocar ya el congreso del PSOE para despejar la lucha por el liderazgo |url=http://www.elmundo.es/espana/2016/09/23/57e4491622601d99098b4669.html |language=es |newspaper=El Mundo |location=Madrid |access-date=26 March 2017}}{{cite news |last=Sanz |first=Luis Ángel |date=26 September 2016 |title=Pedro Sánchez reta a sus críticos a presentarse a las primarias: "Es muy importante que tengamos una sola voz" |url=http://www.elmundo.es/espana/2016/09/26/57e8ee4122601d2a668b45ae.html |language=es |newspaper=El Mundo |location=Madrid |access-date=26 March 2017}}{{cite news |last1=Díez |first1=Anabel |last2=Marcos |first2=José |date=29 September 2016 |title=Pedro Sánchez propone un congreso extraordinario el 12 y 13 de noviembre con primarias en octubre |url=http://politica.elpais.com/politica/2016/09/29/actualidad/1475133627_579572.html |language=es |newspaper=El País |location=Madrid |access-date=26 March 2017}} This move enraged his opponents, who subsequently forced the resignation of half of the party's executive commission on 28 September in order to trigger Sánchez's downfall.{{cite news |last=Sanz |first=Luis Ángel |date=28 September 2016 |title=Diecisiete miembros de la Ejecutiva del PSOE dimiten para provocar la caída de Pedro Sánchez |url=http://www.elmundo.es/espana/2016/09/28/57ebd104e2704eca128c05c4.html |language=es |newspaper=El Mundo |location=Madrid |access-date=26 March 2017}} Sánchez did not acknowledge his ouster and sought to keep his promise of an autumn congress, resulting in the party being openly split into two opposing factions, as critics no longer recognized Sánchez's legitimacy to act as secretary-general.{{cite news |last=Merino |first=Juan Carlos |date=29 September 2016 |title=La dimisión de los críticos deja el PSOE partido en dos |url=http://www.lavanguardia.com/politica/20160929/41648691158/el-psoe-estalla-con-el-golpe-a-sanchez.html |language=es |newspaper=La Vanguardia |location=Madrid |access-date=26 March 2017}}{{cite news |last=Cortizo |first=Gonzalo |date=29 September 2016 |title=El sector de Pedro Sánchez acusa a los críticos de intentar "un golpe de Estado" |url=http://www.eldiario.es/politica/entorno-Pedro-Sanchez-criticos-intentado_0_563794586.html |language=es |newspaper=eldiario.es |access-date=26 March 2017}} In a troubled federal committee held on 1 October, Sánchez finally resigned as party leader after losing a key ballot on his congress' proposal by 132 votes to 107.{{cite news |last=Díez |first=Anabel |date=1 October 2016 |title=Pedro Sánchez dimite como secretario general del PSOE |url=http://politica.elpais.com/politica/2016/10/01/actualidad/1475346998_362316.html |language=es |newspaper=El País |access-date=26 March 2017}} A caretaker managing committee headed by Asturias President Javier Fernández was appointed to lead the party until the party congress to elect a new leadership could be organized.{{cite news |last=Cortizo |first=Gonzalo |date=1 October 2016 |title=Javier Fernández dirigirá la gestora del PSOE |url=http://www.eldiario.es/politica/Javier-Fernandez-PSOE-Gobierno-alternativo_0_564843932.html |language=es |newspaper=eldiario.es |access-date=26 March 2017}}{{cite news |author=Agencia EFE |date=2 October 2016 |title=Así es la gestora que dirigirá el PSOE hasta el próximo Congreso |url=http://www.abc.es/espana/abci-gestora-dirigira-psoe-hasta-proximo-congreso-201610020204_noticia.html |language=es |newspaper=ABC |access-date=26 March 2017}}

Concurrently with the ongoing PSOE crisis, the government formation process continued as the People's Party of Mariano Rajoy had secured the support of both Citizens and Canarian Coalition for Rajoy's investiture. The PSOE caretaker leadership appointed after Sánchez's sacking approved the party's abstention in such a vote, thus ensuring Rajoy's re-election as Prime Minister of Spain despite the party's previous stance not to allow a new PP government.{{cite news |last1=Castro |first1=Irene |last2=Cortizo |first2=Gonzalo |last3=Pinheiro |first3=Marcos |date=23 October 2016 |title=El PSOE aprueba una abstención incondicional para que Rajoy sea presidente |url=http://www.eldiario.es/politica/PSOE-abstencion-incondicional-Rajoy-presidente_0_572542996.html |language=es |newspaper=eldiario.es |access-date=26 March 2017}}{{cite news |last=Bordeaux |first=Richard |date=23 October 2016 |title=Spain's Political Impasse Ends as Socialist Party Clears Way for Rajoy's Re-election |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/spains-socialist-party-set-to-vote-on-ending-long-running-political-impasse-1477208060 |newspaper=The Wall Street Journal |location=Madrid |access-date=26 March 2017}} A few hours ahead of the scheduled second ballot that would allow Rajoy's investiture, Pedro Sánchez announced his resignation as an MP—a decision advised by his close aides—arguing that he could neither abstain—and thus break his electoral pledge of opposing a PP government—or, as former PSOE leader, set a bad precedent by disobeying the decision of the highest party governing body, the federal committee.{{cite news |last=Sanz |first=Luis Ángel |date=29 October 2016 |title=Pedro Sánchez dimite como diputado y anuncia que se lanza a recuperar el PSOE |url=http://www.elmundo.es/espana/2016/10/29/58147a2346163fc46c8b4578.html |language=es |newspaper=El Mundo |location=Madrid |access-date=26 March 2017}} Right after government formation, in an exclusive interview for laSexta's Salvados news show, Pedro Sánchez publicly accused Susana Díaz's allies within the party and the "financial powers"—specially the PRISA Group, owner of El País media outlet—of having coerced him into avoiding a left-wing pact with Podemos and nationalist parties throughout the entire government formation process, accusing them of triggering the internal revolt within PSOE to oust him once he considered a serious attempt at forming such an alliance.{{cite news |last=Castro |first=Irene |date=30 October 2016 |title=Pedro Sánchez acusa a los poderes financieros y al grupo Prisa de presionar para mantener a Rajoy |url=http://www.eldiario.es/politica/Pedro-Sanchez-economicos-gobernara-Podemos_0_574992889.html |language=es |newspaper=eldiario.es |access-date=26 March 2017}}{{cite news |last=Sanz |first=Luis Ángel |date=30 October 2016 |title=Pedro Sánchez carga contra el Ibex y pide que el PSOE trate a Podemos "de tú a tú" |url=http://www.elmundo.es/espana/2016/10/30/58165763268e3ead1f8b46a4.html |language=es |newspaper=El Mundo |location=Madrid |access-date=26 March 2017}}

File:15.10.14-Desayuno-9-Zapatero (22150243332).jpg José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero had become one of Susana Díaz's most devoted backers in recent times.]]

Taking advantage of the internal disarray resulting from Sánchez's demise, Susana Díaz, main orchestrator of the party revolt that brought him down,{{cite web |title=Así fue como Susana Díaz derribó a Pedro Sánchez en las horas más convulsas del PSOE |language=es |url=http://www.20minutos.es/noticia/2852615/0/pedro-sanchez-dimite-horas-convulsas/ |newspaper=20 minutos |date=2 October 2016}} became widely regarded as the new PSOE leader in pectore as the Fernández-led caretaker team came to be seen as a mere puppet body under her control.{{cite web |title=Susana Díaz coloca a Javier Fernández y a sus pesos pesados al frente de la gestora del PSOE |language=es |url=http://www.elboletin.com/nacional/140178/javier-fernandez-gestora-psoe-susana-diaz.html |newspaper=El Boletín |date=2 October 2016}}{{cite web |title=La gestora controlada por Susana Díaz pospondrá el Congreso para frenar a Pedro Sánchez |language=es |url=http://www.elespanol.com/espana/politica/20161002/159984498_0.html |newspaper=El Español |date=3 October 2016}} As Díaz extended her influence throughout the party's structure,{{cite web |title=Susana Díaz consolida su control orgánico para liderar el PSOE |language=es |url=http://www.elmundo.es/espana/2016/11/28/583b2d90e2704e88278b45dd.html |newspaper=El Mundo |date=28 November 2016}} she sought party adhesions to its figure and visibility as the PSOE's organic and institutional reference by meeting Socialists' Party of Catalonia leader Miquel Iceta—securing the PSC neutrality for the incoming leadership contest in exchange of the promise to avoid a split between both parties{{cite web |title=Así fue el 'pacto del sofá' al que llegaron Susana Díaz y Miquel Iceta |language=es |url=http://www.lainformacion.com/politica/Iceta-abandona-Sanchez-Susana-Diaz_0_975203728.html |newspaper=La Información |date=25 November 2016}}{{cite web |title=Susana Díaz e Iceta pactan la reunificación del PSOE |language=es |url=http://www.publico.es/politica/susana-diaz-e-iceta-pactan.html |newspaper=Público |date=25 November 2016}}—and planning a tour to the European Parliament as part of the greater national and international scope of her political agenda.{{cite web |title=Susana Díaz mete velocidad a su carrera para liderar el PSOE |language=es |url=http://www.elperiodico.com/es/noticias/politica/susana-diaz-mete-velocidad-carrera-liderar-psoe-5658561 |newspaper=El Periódico de Catalunya |date=29 November 2016}} She also staged a party rally in Jaén on 16 December, in which she was granted the public and unconditional support of former Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero{{cite web |title=Díaz recibe el apoyo de Zapatero en su carrera por liderar el PSOE |language=es |url=http://www.elperiodico.com/es/noticias/politica/diaz-recibe-apoyo-zapatero-carrera-liderar-psoe-5696697 |newspaper=El Periódico de Catalunya |date=16 December 2016}}{{cite web |title=Zapatero reactiva la ofensiva de apoyo a Susana Díaz |language=es |url=http://www.eldiario.es/politica/Jose-Luis-Rodriguez-Zapatero-activa-Susana_0_591441074.html |newspaper=eldiario.es |date=17 December 2016}}—long turned into an admirer of the Andalusian President and an opponent to Pedro Sánchez.{{cite web |title=Zapatero asegura que Susana Díaz es "la mejor a gran distancia" |language=es |url=http://www.elperiodico.com/es/noticias/politica/zapatero-asegura-que-susana-diaz-mejor-gran-distancia-3869550 |newspaper=El Periódico de Catalunya |date=2015-01-21}} In the ensuing weeks, Díaz would receive public acclaim from regional Presidents Javier Lambán of Aragon—who publicly endorsed her and went as far as to assure that Díaz was "protected by the gods of Socialism"{{cite web |title=Lambán dice que "los dioses del socialismo" protegen a Susana Díaz |language=es |url=http://www.eldiario.es/rastreador/VIDEO-Lamban-socialismo-Susana-Diaz_6_589401059.html |newspaper=eldiario.es |date=10 December 2016}}{{cite web |title=Lambán: Si Susana Díaz se presenta, es bastante probable que yo la apoye |language=es |url=http://www.eldiario.es/politica/Lamban-Susana-Diaz-presenta-probable_0_605439842.html |newspaper=eldiario.es |date=25 January 2017}}—and Guillermo Fernández Vara of Extremadura—who commented on her that "she's like a cannon communicating; she sounds like a winner"—.{{cite web |title=Vara defiende públicamente la candidatura de Díaz para liderar el PSOE: "Sabe ganar" |language=es |url=http://www.elconfidencial.com/espana/2017-01-11/crisis-psoe-guillermo-fernandez-vara-defiende-candidatura-susana-diaz-liderar-psoe-sabe-ganar_1315086/ |newspaper=El Confidencial |date=11 January 2017}}{{cite web |title=Fernández Vara sobre Susana Díaz: "Es un cañón, suena a ganadora" |language=es |url=http://www.lavanguardia.com/politica/20170118/413464707101/guillermo-fernandez-vara-susana-diaz-canon-ganadora.html |newspaper=La Vanguardia |date=18 January 2017}}

Close aides to Díaz revealed that she preferred to face the primary election as the sole candidate in order to win unopposed,{{cite web |title=Susana Díaz prefiere ser candidata única |language=es |url=http://www.elmundo.es/espana/2016/11/20/5830abff268e3ef11f8b4647.html |newspaper=El Mundo |date=20 November 2016}}{{cite web |title=Susana Díaz moviliza a sus fieles para que sea la candidata de consenso y sin rivales |language=es |url=http://www.elconfidencial.com/espana/2016-12-20/crisis-psoe-susana-diaz-moviliza-candidata-consenso-sin-rivales_1306382/ |newspaper=El Confidencial |date=20 December 2016}} but the faction critical of the new leadership soon assured they would field a candidate of their own regardless of Díaz's intentions, and all sides soon acknowledged that the race would be competitive.{{cite news |title=Javier Fernández: "No creo que llegue una candidatura única al congreso del PSOE" |language=es |url=http://politica.elpais.com/politica/2016/11/28/actualidad/1480328618_185114.html |newspaper=El País |date=28 November 2016 |last1=Díez |first1=Anabel }}{{cite news |title=Susana Díaz da por seguro que habrá más de un candidato a liderar el PSOE |language=es |url=http://politica.elpais.com/politica/2016/12/23/actualidad/1482485410_326813.html |newspaper=El País |date=23 December 2016 |last1=Díez |first1=Anabel }} Some called for Pedro Sánchez—who had hinted at such a possibility but had never officially confirmed it—to run again for leadership,{{cite web |title=Casi 70 cargos del PSOE dan su apoyo a Sánchez y le piden que compita para liderar el partido |language=es |url=http://www.20minutos.es/noticia/2921311/0/cumbre-mayoria-criticos-psoe-apoyo-pedro-sanchez-paso-frente-liderar-psoe/ |newspaper=20 minutos |date=27 December 2016}}{{cite web |title=Pedro Sánchez agradece el manifiesto de apoyo pero no despeja si se presentará a las primarias |language=es |url=http://www.elmundo.es/espana/2016/12/28/5863a40d22601d00558b466c.html |newspaper=El Mundo |date=28 December 2016}} but there were those who regarded both Díaz and Sánchez unfit for the role—arguing that their long-lasting grudge for power had deeply divided the party and that none of them would be able to fully re-unite it again—.{{cite web |title=Crece la oposición a Susana Díaz y a Pedro Sánchez en el PSOE: ¿qué es la corriente "ni Sú ni Sá"? |language=es |url=http://ecodiario.eleconomista.es/politica/noticias/8009763/12/16/Que-es-la-corriente-socialista-ni-Su-ni-Sa.html |newspaper=El Economista |date=7 December 2016}}{{cite web |title=La "tercera vía" pone a circular en el PSOE un informe para desacreditar a Susana Díaz |language=es |url=http://www.abc.es/espana/abci-tercera-pone-circular-psoe-informe-para-desacreditar-susana-diaz-201612200338_noticia.html |newspaper=ABC |date=20 December 2016}} Proponents of this alternative, 'third' way, considered former President of the Congress of Deputies Patxi López as a potential frontrunner.{{cite web |title=La 'solución López', ¿una tercera vía muerta? |language=es |url=http://www.elconfidencial.com/espana/2017-01-02/crisis-psoe-alternativa-patxi-lopez-pedro-sanchez_1311121/ |newspaper=El Confidencial |date=2 January 2017}} Support for a potential Patxi López's bid grew among Sánchez's loyalists as time passed and the former PSOE leader remained ambiguous on his intentions.{{cite news |date=29 December 2016 |title=Patxi López suma apoyos en el PSOE entre los antiguos fieles de Sánchez |url=https://www.lavanguardia.com/politica/20161229/412957751688/patxi-lopez-apoyos-lider-psoe-sanchez.html |newspaper=La Vanguardia |language=es |access-date=5 November 2021}}

Concurrently and without revealing his future plans, Sánchez staged several events with the party's grassroots throughout November and December 2016. The first, held in Xirivella in the Valencian Community on 26 November, was an attendance success with more than a thousand assistants.{{cite web |title=Pedro Sánchez 'revienta' el auditorio de Xirivella |language=es |url=http://cadenaser.com/emisora/2016/11/26/radio_valencia/1480161208_948875.html |publisher=Cadena SER |date=26 November 2016}} This feat was repeated in another appearance in El Entrego, Asturias, on 10 December.{{cite web |title=Pedro Sánchez reaparece en un acto con militantes en Asturias y reclama al PSOE "socialismo democrático" |language=es |url=http://www.elmundo.es/espana/2016/12/10/584c3757ca47410d0b8b45dd.html |newspaper=El Mundo |date=10 December 2016}} In both events, Sánchez called for the party congress to be held immediately and accused Fernández's caretaker commission of leading the party as a full-fledged executive, when it should be limited—as per party statutes—to organizing the congress.{{cite news |title=Pedro Sánchez a la gestora del PSOE: "Vuestro tiempo ha acabado" |language=es |url=http://politica.elpais.com/politica/2016/11/26/actualidad/1480158741_837205.html |newspaper=20 minutos |date=26 November 2016 |last1=Marcos |first1=José }}{{cite web |title=Sánchez: "Para coser al PSOE, la mejor aguja y el mejor hilo son la voz y el voto de la militancia" |language=es |url=http://www.20minutos.es/noticia/2908986/0/pedro-sanchez-celebra-asturias-segundo-acto-militantes-pedir-congreso-ya/ |newspaper=20 minutos |date=10 December 2016}} Meanwhile, party members critical of the new PSOE leadership, under the Recupera PSOE platform (Spanish for "Recover [the] PSOE"), opened an unauthorized party office just 500 meters away from the main PSOE headquarters in Madrid to promote affiliation of new members to vote in the primary election, to which the caretaker commission replied by announcing legal actions for improper use and usurpation of the party's symbology.{{cite web |title=La sede paralela alquilada por los críticos alarma al PSOE |language=es |url=http://www.elmundo.es/espana/2017/01/03/586b9e81268e3e6e288b45cd.html |newspaper=El Mundo |date=3 January 2017}}{{cite web |title=La gestora del PSOE demanda a los 'sanchistas' que abrieron una sede alternativa en Ferraz |language=es |url=http://www.lavanguardia.com/politica/20170104/413096719141/la-gestora-del-psoe-demanda-a-los-sanchistas-que-abrieron-una-sede-alternativa-del-partido-en-ferraz.html |newspaper=La Vanguardia |date=4 January 2017}}

File:Acto en Madrid con Felipe González y Patxi López.jpg Patxi López unexpectedly became, on 15 January 2017, the first to publicly announce his bid, posing as an alternative to both Sánchez and Díaz.]]

On 14 January 2017, party leaders in federal committee formally set the congress' date for 17 and 18 June with a primary election scheduled for May,{{cite web |title=El PSOE inicia el camino hacia su reconstrucción con un Congreso Federal los días 17 y 18 de junio |language=es |url=http://www.rtve.es/noticias/20170114/psoe-inicia-camino-hacia-reconstruccion-poniendo-fecha-su-congreso-federal/1471000.shtml |publisher=RTVE |date=14 January 2017}} the preferred choice of both Javier Fernández and Susana Díaz who had called for postponing the congress' date to "just before summer [2017]" in hopes of Sánchez's support eroding over time.{{cite web |title=Susana Díaz retrasará el congreso del PSOE para anular a Pedro Sánchez |language=es |url=http://www.elmundo.es/espana/2016/10/31/5816713d268e3ebf1f8b46a0.html |publisher=RTVE |date=31 October 2016}}{{cite web |title=Javier Fernández propondrá que el congreso del PSOE sea "antes del verano" |language=es |url=http://www.elmundo.es/espana/2016/12/06/5846b5aa468aeb68088b4662.html |publisher=RTVE |date=6 December 2016}} Despite previous calls from critics for the leadership contest to be held earlier,{{cite news |title=La gestora del PSOE rechaza el adelanto del congreso que piden los críticos |language=es |url=http://politica.elpais.com/politica/2016/12/09/actualidad/1481271541_595432.html |newspaper=El País |date=9 December 2016 |last1=Díez |first1=Anabel }}{{cite web |title=Militantes críticos advierten de que el PSOE debe tener nueva dirección en mayo por si hay elecciones |language=es |url=http://www.eldiario.es/politica/plataformas-militantes-advierten-PSOE-elecciones_0_601240633.html |newspaper=eldiario.es |date=13 January 2017}} the proposed timetable was reluctantly accepted by critics with little opposition as Fernández and Díaz's faction commanded a comfortable majority among federal committee members.{{cite web |title=El PSOE aprueba con cinco votos en contra que el congreso sea los días 17 y 18 de junio |language=es |url=http://www.eldiario.es/politica/PSOE-aprueba-votos-congreso-junio_0_601590109.html |newspaper=eldiario.es |date=14 January 2017}} The next day, Patxi López unexpectedly became the first to publicly announce his candidacy to the party's leadership, stating that the party's abstention in Rajoy's investiture had been "an error" and claiming to "feel strong enough to rebuild the party".{{cite web |title=Patxi López se adelanta a Susana Díaz y precipita la carrera por el liderazgo |language=es |url=http://www.lavanguardia.com/politica/20170115/413376019530/patxi-lopez-candidatura-psoe.html |newspaper=La Vanguardia |date=15 January 2017}}{{cite web |title=Patxi López anuncia su candidatura para la Secretaría General del PSOE: "Me siento con fuerzas para reconstruir el partido" |language=es |url=http://www.antena3.com/noticias/espana/patxi-lopez-anuncia-su-candidatura-para-la-secretaria-general-del-psoe-me-siento-con-fuerzas-para-reconstruir-el-partido_20170115587b59be0cf21c707d14bdd4.html |publisher=Antena 3 |date=15 January 2017}} After weeks of waiting for Sánchez's final decision and of debating on whether it was advisable for the late Secretary-General to return to office,{{cite news |title=Afines a Sánchez debaten si conviene que lidere el sector crítico del PSOE |language=es |url=http://politica.elpais.com/politica/2016/12/18/actualidad/1482083825_423047.html |newspaper=El País |date=19 December 2016 |last1=Díez |first1=Anabel }}{{cite news |title=El sector crítico del PSOE apremia a Sánchez a decidir si aspirará al liderazgo |language=es |url=http://politica.elpais.com/politica/2016/12/21/actualidad/1482344486_296679.html |newspaper=El País |date=22 December 2016 |last1=Díez |first1=Anabel |last2=Marcos |first2=José }} many of his previous supporters switched sides and aligned with López, appealed by his 'third way' project, while calling for Sánchez to join them in an effort to prevent splitting the anti-Díaz vote.{{cite web |title=Así apuñalaron sus leales a Sánchez: la candidatura de Patxi López le deja sin espacio |language=es |url=http://www.elespanol.com/espana/politica/20170114/185981850_0.html |newspaper=El Español |date=15 January 2017}}{{cite web |title=Los partidarios de Patxi López presionan a Sánchez para que se retire y le dé su apoyo liderazgo |language=es |url=http://www.elconfidencial.com/espana/2017-01-17/crisis-psoe-partidarios-patxi-lopez-presionan-pedro-sanchez-se-retire-de-apoyo_1317291/ |newspaper=El País |date=17 January 2017}} Among those withdrawing their support from the former party leader were Balearic President Francina Armengol—the only PSOE regional premier not aligned to Susana Díaz—as well as the party's regional branches in Madrid, the Basque Country, Navarre, Castile and León and La Rioja.{{cite web |title=Armengol ya no apoya a Sánchez: "Patxi López tiene la fuerza para recuperar las raíces socialistas" |language=es |url=http://www.elmundo.es/baleares/2017/01/16/587c9f1b46163f8f138b4601.html |newspaper=El Mundo |date=16 January 2017}}{{cite web |title=Cascada de deserciones entre los barones afines a Sánchez |language=es |url=http://www.larazon.es/espana/cascada-de-deserciones-entre-los-barones-afines-a-sanchez-GE14323445 |newspaper=La Razón |date=17 January 2017}}{{cite web |title=Sánchez busca movilizar a la militancia mientras pierde todo su apoyo orgánico |language=es |url=http://www.abc.es/espana/abci-sanchez-busca-movilizar-militancia-mientras-pierde-todo-apoyo-organico-201701192137_noticia.html |newspaper=ABC |date=19 January 2017}} Even the PSC, formerly staunch defenders of Sánchez before his deposition, now claimed "neutrality" by virtue of Iceta's agreement with Díaz.{{cite web |title=El PSC decreta neutralidad en las primarias del PSOE |language=es |url=http://www.elperiodico.com/es/noticias/politica/psc-neutralidad-primarias-psoe-5741497 |newspaper=El Periódico de Catalunya |date=14 January 2017}}{{cite web |title=Iceta garantiza la neutralidad del PSC en el proceso de primarias del PSOE |language=es |url=http://cadenaser.com/ser/2017/01/21/politica/1485006476_872087.html |publisher=Cadena SER |date=21 January 2017}}

Pedro Sánchez, who was said to be privately upset by López's move—both had been close allies during his time as Secretary-General—, revealed on 18 January he would be meeting party members throughout Spain without clarifying whether he would withdraw from the race or not.{{cite web |title=Pedro Sánchez da un paso tras el anuncio de Patxi López y se lanza a la carretera |language=es |url=http://www.eldiario.es/politica/Pedro-Sanchez-Espana-escuchar-militantes_0_602990802.html |newspaper=eldiario.es |date=18 January 2017}} Moreover, sources from within his team hinted that he had allegedly already chosen to run, but that he would not make the decision public until it better suited him,{{cite web |title=Sánchez presume de apoyos y avisa de que no decidirá en función del paso de López y Díaz |language=es |url=http://www.elconfidencial.com/espana/2017-01-18/crisis-psoe-pedro-sanchez-apoyos-bases-decision-al-margen-susana-diaz-patxi-lopez_1317904/ |newspaper=El Confidencial |date=18 January 2017}} instead focusing in warming up his potential candidacy with events widely seen as a defiance to his rivals, such as one scheduled in Seville—Díaz's home province—for 28 January.{{cite web |title=Sánchez responde a la candidatura de López retomando su gira con militantes en Sevilla |language=es |url=http://www.elconfidencial.com/espana/2017-01-18/crisis-psoe-pedro-sanchez-responde-candidatura-patxi-lopez-reemprendiendo-gira-militantes_1318453/ |newspaper=El Confidencial |date=18 January 2017}} It was later revealed that López was among those who advised Sánchez to resign his seat, a move which deprived him of a public platform from where to launch his leadership run and for which Sánchez was said to feel "deeply betrayed".{{cite web |title=Cantera dice que no fue "elegante" aconsejar a Sánchez dejar el Congreso y que ahora se presente Patxi López |language=es |url=http://www.europapress.es/nacional/noticia-cantera-dice-no-fue-elegante-aconsejar-sanchez-dejar-congreso-ahora-presente-patxi-lopez-20170117140240.html |newspaper=La Vanguardia |date=17 January 2017}}{{cite web |title=Pedro Sánchez a su equipo: "Patxi López me ha traicionado" |language=es |url=http://www.lainformacion.com/politica/Sanchez-Patxi-Lopez-PSOE-Susana-Diaz-Pedro-Ferraz-primarias_0_991102205.html |newspaper=La Información |date=17 January 2017}} Concurrently, Susana Díaz was determined to launch her bid in the ensuing weeks and started assembling campaign teams in the different PSOE regional federations to ready up the party's "machinery" under her control for collecting endorsements once the race would formally start.{{cite web |title=Susana Díaz se presentará a las primarias del PSOE y ya monta equipos por España |language=es |url=http://www.eldiario.es/politica/Pedro-Sanchez-Espana-escuchar-militantes_0_602990802.html |newspaper=La Información |date=19 January 2017}} López's announcement, which was said to initially catch Díaz unprepared,{{cite news |title=Susana Díaz aguanta la presión de la candidatura de Patxi López |language=es |url=http://politica.elpais.com/politica/2017/01/16/actualidad/1484565947_557898.html |newspaper=El País |date=16 January 2017|last1=Limón |first1=Raúl }} did not alter her plans and, like Sánchez, she remained silent on her intentions to run, aware that her bid for the highest party office would rush a succession race within her party in Andalusia.{{cite web |title=La presión se dispara para Susana Díaz sin que tenga lista su sucesión en Andalucía |language=es |url=http://www.elconfidencial.com/espana/2017-01-15/presion-candidata-susana-diaz-psoe-primarias-sucesion-andalucia_1316638/ |newspaper=El Confidencial |date=15 January 2017}}{{cite web |title=Susana Díaz teme cambiar la Junta por el "agujero de Ferraz" |language=es |url=http://www.elespanol.com/espana/politica/20170119/187231286_0.html |newspaper=El Español |date=19 January 2017}}{{cite web |title=Por qué Pedro Sánchez y Susana Díaz no dicen aún si intentarán liderar el PSOE |language=es |url=http://blogs.20minutos.es/arsenioescolar/2017/01/20/por-que-pedro-sanchez-y-susana-diaz-no-dicen-aun-si-intentaran-liderar-el-psoe/ |newspaper=20 minutos |date=20 January 2017}} Some suggested Díaz would try to combine her role as President of the Regional Government of Andalusia with that of PSOE Secretary-General if elected.{{cite web |title=Díaz se ve capaz de compaginar su cargo en la Junta con el liderazgo del PSOE |language=es |url=http://www.diariodesevilla.es/andalucia/Diaz-compaginar-Junta-liderazgo-PSOE_0_1083492387.html |newspaper=Diario de Sevilla |date=21 November 2016}}{{cite web |title=Susana Díaz medita su día después |language=es |url=http://www.diariodesevilla.es/andalucia/Susana-Diaz-medita-dia-despues_0_1102690165.html |newspaper=Diario de Sevilla |date=24 January 2017}}{{cite web |title=Susana Díaz tiene previsto quedarse al frente de la Junta si lidera el PSOE |language=es |url=http://www.eldiario.es/politica/Susana-Diaz-quedarse-Junta-PSOE_0_605790295.html |newspaper=eldiario.es |date=26 January 2017}}

While Patxi López had been the first to announce his run and had quickly seen the anti-Díaz coalition coalesce around him, he did not obtain the express support of historical party leaders and long-time friends such as Alfredo Pérez Rubalcaba—who disassociated himself from Lopez's strategy and praised Díaz's "political strength"—.{{cite web |title=Rubalcaba elogia la "fortaleza política" de Díaz y se desmarca de la estrategia de López |language=es |url=http://www.elconfidencial.com/espana/2017-01-19/crisis-psoe-entrevista-alfredo-perez-rubalcaba-ser_1318551/ |newspaper=El Confidencial |date=19 January 2017}} He also stirred up suspicions among Pedro Sánchez's remaining loyalists that his move was an opportunistic maneuver aimed at thwarting Sánchez's potential bid and negotiating a future power sharing with Díaz,{{cite web |title=Patxi López precipita su candidatura para cortar el paso a Pedro Sánchez |language=es |url=http://www.eldiario.es/politica/Patxi-Lopez-candidatura-Pedro-Sanchez_0_601590224.html |newspaper=eldiario.es |date=15 January 2017}}{{cite web |title=Patxi López tantea un reparto de poder con Susana Díaz |language=es |url=http://www.elmundo.es/espana/2017/01/19/587fd72cca4741f76e8b45f2.html |newspaper=El Mundo |date=19 January 2017}} despite López's calls that he was willing to "go to the end" in the fight for PSOE's control.{{cite news |title=López dice a sus adversarios que va a ir "hasta el final" en la lucha por el PSOE |language=es |url=http://politica.elpais.com/politica/2017/01/21/actualidad/1484994462_286235.html |newspaper=El País |date=21 January 2017|last1=Gorospe |first1=Pedro }} Sánchez found himself stranded from most of his previous collaborators and could no longer count with the party apparatus of the anti-Díaz regional federations to back him, facing the challenge of making up a minimal infrastructure able to grant his campaign the required resources for remaining competitive.{{cite web |title=Sánchez empieza a montar un nuevo aparato para preparar la batalla de las primarias |language=es |url=http://www.elconfidencial.com/espana/2017-01-23/crisis-psoe-pedro-sanchez-estructura-minima-preparar-batalla-primarias_1320221/ |newspaper=El Confidencial |date=23 January 2017}} Meanwhile, Susana Díaz embarked herself in a tour through PSOE territories hostile to her in order to mobilize her supporters, starting in Castile and León from 20 to 22 January. In León, her presence was received amid a polarized environment, with protesters booing and shouting "¡No es no!" (Spanish for "No means no", an unofficial slogan that referred to Sánchez's opposition to the formation of a PP government) and accusing her of "handing over power to one of Europe's most corrupt parties".{{cite web |title=Susana Díaz visita este fin de semana Castilla y León para encuentros con militantes |language=es |url=http://www.europapress.es/andalucia/noticia-susana-diaz-visita-fin-semana-castilla-leon-donde-reunira-militantes-20170120153458.html |publisher=Europa Press |date=20 January 2017}}{{cite web |title=Susana Díaz, recibida en León entre abucheos y gritos de "¡No es no!" |language=es |url=http://www.elmundo.es/espana/2017/01/22/5884e33e268e3e28068b459b.html |publisher=Europa Press |date=22 January 2017}} Díaz and López called for party unity ahead of the congress so as to avoid turning the primaries campaign into a "fratricide battle" that could further aggravate the party crisis, both aware that Sánchez's presence in the race would deeply divide the grassroots.{{cite web |title=Susana Díaz apela a la unidad en el congreso para poder ganar las elecciones |language=es |url=http://www.lavanguardia.com/politica/20170121/413573981983/susana-diaz-unidad-congreso-psoe-elecciones.html |newspaper=La Vanguardia |date=21 January 2017}}{{cite web |title=Patxi López y Susana Díaz llaman a la unidad para recomponer el PSOE |language=es |url=http://www.lavozdegalicia.es/noticia/espana/2017/01/22/patxi-lopez-susana-diaz-llaman-unidad-recomponer-psoe/0003_201701G22P20991.htm |newspaper=La Voz de Galicia |date=22 January 2017}}

In his 28 January rally in Dos Hermanas, Seville, which gathered over 1,500 people, Pedro Sánchez announced his run for party leadership.{{cite web |title=Pedro Sánchez se presenta: "Seré vuestro candidato a la secretaría general del PSOE" |language=es |url=http://www.eldiario.es/andalucia/Pedro-Sanchez_0_606489534.html |newspaper=eldiario.es |date=28 January 2017}}{{cite web |title=Pedro Sánchez anuncia en Sevilla que encabezará la "candidatura de la militancia" para liderar el PSOE |language=es |url=http://www.elmundo.es/espana/2017/01/28/588c8bbb268e3e83558b45c3.html |newspaper=El Mundo |date=28 January 2017}} Patxi López welcomed Sánchez to the "debate on proposals" and stated that it was now time of "confronting projects".{{cite web |title=Patxi López da la "bienvenida" a Sánchez al "debate de propuestas" y dice que ahora toca "confrontar proyectos" |language=es |url=http://www.europapress.es/euskadi/noticia-patxi-lopez-da-bienvenida-sanchez-debate-propuestas-dice-ahora-toca-confrontar-proyectos-20170128170003.html |publisher=Europa Press |date=28 January 2017}} Meanwhile, Susana Díaz, who concurrently was in a party meeting in Alcalá de los Gazules (Cádiz), remained unsettled on Sánchez's announcement and kept refusing to disclose when would she announce her bid, commenting that "it isn't time to talk about leaderships now" but of "strengthening the party with a winning project, without any complex and useful to Spain".{{cite web |title=Susana Díaz sigue sin desvelar si se presenta a las primarias pero augura: "Nos vamos a levantar muy rápido" |language=es |url=http://www.eldiario.es/andalucia/Susana-Diaz_0_606489526.html |newspaper=eldiario.es |date=28 January 2017}}{{cite web |title=Susana Díaz ignora a Sánchez y evita dar el paso: "Ahora no toca" hablar de liderazgos |language=es |url=http://www.lavanguardia.com/politica/20170128/413792977604/susana-diaz-ignora-sanchez-evita-dar-paso.html |newspaper=La Vanguardia |date=28 January 2017}}

File:17.03.13 La Rábida. Firma Memorandum 6 (cropped).jpg

As two candidates had entered the race, attention focused on Díaz as she refused to publicly disclose her intentions. A party event on 11 February, allegedly intended as a vindication of the party's municipalism in Spain, became an improvised rally in support of Díaz, who had been invited by the event's organizer, Mayor of Vigo Abel Caballero. During the event, attended by 2,500 party officers and supporters, Díaz strongly hinted at her candidacy by claiming that she had "strength, hope, excitement" and "loved winning", while also pointing that the PSOE had to recover its spirit to "win elections".{{cite news |last=Díez |first=Anabel |date=11 February 2017 |title=Susana Díaz: "Tengo fuerza, ganas e ilusión" |url=http://politica.elpais.com/politica/2017/02/11/actualidad/1486818261_768640.html |language=es |newspaper=El País |location=Madrid |access-date=1 April 2017}} Amid rumours that she intended to make her announcement after the Andalusia Day holiday on 28 February—in order to prevent eclipsing the holiday's institutional celebration—she responded that it was "a government event" and that she was not going to "talk about [her] party".{{cite news |last1=Hevia |first1=Lucrecia |last2=Granado |first2=Olga |date=10 February 2017 |title=Susana Díaz planea adelantar su candidatura a primarias del PSOE después del Día de Andalucía |url=http://www.eldiario.es/andalucia/Susana-Diaz-adelantar-candidatura-primarias_0_611039714.html |language=es |newspaper=eldiario.es |access-date=1 April 2017}}{{cite news |author=Europa Press |date=10 February 2017 |title=Susana Díaz: "El 4 de marzo es el acto de celebración del Día de Andalucía, no saquen más punta al lápiz" |url=http://www.eldiario.es/andalucia/Susana-Diaz-celebracion-Dia-Andalucia_0_612439300.html |language=es |newspaper=eldiario.es |access-date=1 April 2017}} Díaz kept staging various acts as she was allegedly awaiting for the best time to make her announcement, seeking to prevent a possible succession struggle in Andalusia in the event she choose to step down as regional President and leader.{{cite news |last=Limón |first=Raúl |date=4 March 2017 |title=Susana Díaz exhibe la fuerza del PSOE andaluz en un acto en Sevilla |url=http://politica.elpais.com/politica/2017/03/04/actualidad/1488621261_396467.html |language=es |newspaper=El País |location=Seville |access-date=1 April 2017}} Finally on 12 March, several media outlets confirmed that Susana Díaz was poised to announce her bid during a large party rally in Madrid on 26 March,{{cite news |last=Díez |first=Anabel |date=12 March 2017 |title=Susana Díaz presentará su candidatura a las primarias del PSOE el 26 de marzo |url=http://politica.elpais.com/politica/2017/03/12/actualidad/1489313118_919430.html |language=es |newspaper=El País |location=Madrid |access-date=1 April 2017}} with the party structure under her influence quickly coalescing around her in order to prevent a Pedro Sánchez's win in the primary.{{cite news |last=Sanz |first=Luis Ángel |date=20 March 2017 |title=Susana Díaz moviliza el aparato del PSOE para derrotar a Pedro Sánchez |url=http://www.elmundo.es/espana/2017/03/20/58cec70a468aebdf608b4587.html |language=es |newspaper=El Mundo |location=Madrid |access-date=1 April 2017}} In a speech to a crowd of 5,000 supporters, Susana Díaz formally announced her candidacy on 26 March as planned, supported by former PSOE leaders Felipe González, José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero and Alfredo Pérez Rubalcaba, as well as party figures such as Eduardo Madina, Alfonso Guerra, Carme Chacón, José Bono, 11 former ministers, dozens of local mayors and deputation presidents and most of the regional PSOE premiers, who had already rallied around her throughout the previous months.{{cite news |last=Sanz |first=Luis Ángel |date=26 March 2017 |title=Susana Díaz se apoya en la vieja guardia del PSOE para vencer a Pedro Sánchez |url=http://www.elmundo.es/espana/2017/03/26/58d6da11e5fdea956a8b4600.html |language=es |newspaper=El Mundo |location=Madrid |access-date=1 April 2017}}

Concurrently, Pedro Sánchez increased his campaign agenda in Andalusia—which accounted for about a quarter of the party's membership—aware that Díaz's influence in the region and her expected strong primary showing there could dwarf his support in other communities.{{cite news |date=19 March 2017 |title=Pedro Sánchez vuelca su campaña en Andalucía para contrarrestar el poder de Susana Díaz |url=http://www.europapress.es/nacional/noticia-pedro-sanchez-vuelca-campana-andalucia-contrarrestar-poder-susana-diaz-federacion-clave-20170319123506.html |language=es |publisher=Europa Press |location=Madrid |access-date=1 April 2017}} As Díaz made her bid official, Sánchez proclaimed that there were only "two choices" for party members ahead of the May primaries: "the abstention [to Rajoy] or the [party's] grassroots",{{cite news |last=Álvarez |first=Francisco |date=26 March 2017 |title=Sánchez: "En estas primarias solo hay dos opciones, la abstención o la militancia" |url=http://www.elmundo.es/comunidad-valenciana/2017/03/26/58d795fb46163f5c448b4576.html |language=es |publisher=laSexta |location=Valencia |access-date=1 April 2017}} while proclaiming that the PSOE itself had to choose whether to be "in front of" or "below or next" to the PP.{{cite news |last=Maroto |first=Voro |date=26 March 2017 |title=Pedro Sánchez: "El PSOE debe elegir entre ser un partido del siglo XX o del XXI" |url=http://www.eldiario.es/cv/Pedro-Sanchez-Valencia-Susana-Diaz_0_626437479.html |language=es |newspaper=eldiario.es |access-date=1 April 2017}} Sánchez also clashed with the PSOE's managing committee on his campaign's financing: Sánchez's crowdfunding system—through which he had received €38,000 in the first way of its opening, far beyond expectations{{cite news |author=Servimedia |date=4 March 2017 |title=Pedro Sánchez recauda en un día 38.000 euros, más de lo que aspiraba a conseguir en un mes |url=http://www.expansion.com/economia/politica/2017/03/04/58ba99a2e5fdea8a448b4581.html |language=es |newspaper=Expansión |access-date=2 April 2017}}—was rejected by the later, as they accused Sánchez of not respecting laws on the financing of political parties. The caretaker commission perceived that donations to candidates for an internal party process were also subject to the same legal regulations applied to parties, and that any resulting responsibilities derived from a lack of control of such payments could result in the party bearing ultimate responsibility. As a result, the PSOE demanded all candidates to redirect their funding through a bank account under the party's ownership, something which was initially rejected by Sánchez—who also questioned the legality of such a move—to the party's outrage.{{cite news |last=Díez |first=Anabel |date=16 March 2017 |title=La gestora del PSOE quiere controlar las donaciones a los candidatos |url=http://politica.elpais.com/politica/2017/03/16/actualidad/1489662937_193976.html |language=es |newspaper=El País |location=Madrid |access-date=2 April 2017}}{{cite news |last1=Díez |first1=Anabel |last2=Marcos |first2=José |date=17 March 2017 |title=Sánchez rechaza el sistema de control de las cuentas que propone la gestora |url=http://politica.elpais.com/politica/2017/03/17/actualidad/1489778496_820419.html |language=es |newspaper=El País |location=Madrid |access-date=2 April 2017}}{{cite news |last=Díez |first=Anabel |date=20 March 2017 |title=La gestora del PSOE impondrá su modelo de financiación a pesar del rechazo de Sánchez |url=http://politica.elpais.com/politica/2017/03/20/actualidad/1490042136_566368.html |language=es |newspaper=El País |location=Madrid |access-date=2 April 2017}} On 28 March, the Spanish Court of Auditors ruled in favour of the party's stance and required for Sánchez to respect the financing rules laid down by PSOE. Sánchez reluctantly complied and subsequently shut down his crowdfunding.{{cite news |last=Castro |first=Irene |date=28 March 2017 |title=El Tribunal de Cuentas da la razón al PSOE: Pedro Sánchez debe llevar la financiación de su campaña al partido |url=http://www.eldiario.es/politica/Tribunal-Cuentas-PSOE-Pedro-Sanchez_0_627137689.html |language=es |newspaper=eldiario.es |access-date=2 April 2017}}

Díaz and Sánchez's positions were seen as frontally antagonistic. Whereas Díaz claimed herself to be the representative of "the true PSOE"—vindicating the party's legacy and the much criticized Socialist governments under Felipe González (1982–96) and Rodríguez Zapatero (2004–11)—,{{cite news |last=Rodríguez |first=Fernando |date=26 March 2017 |title=Susana Díaz: "Soy 100% PSOE" |url=http://cadenaser.com/ser/2017/03/26/politica/1490523643_749804.html |language=es |publisher=Cadena SER |location=Madrid |access-date=2 April 2017}}{{cite news |last1=Morillo |first1=Isabel |last2=Romero |first2=Juanma |date=27 March 2017 |title=Susana Díaz recorrerá España para ganar el PSOE y con la vista puesta en La Moncloa |url=http://www.elconfidencial.com/espana/2017-03-27/crisis-psoe-susana-diaz-recorrera-espana-ganar-psoe-vista-la-moncloa_1355514/ |language=es |newspaper=El Confidencial |location=Madrid |access-date=2 April 2017}} Sánchez was heavily critical of the party's direction ever since his resignation, calling himself "the candidate of the grassroots" and demanding a PSOE that was "autonomous, left-wing and credible".{{cite news |last=Campos |first=Carmen |date=27 March 2017 |title=Pedro Sánchez, el candidato de "la militancia" que aspira a "corregir el rumbo de la gestora" |url=http://www.rtve.es/noticias/20170324/pedro-sanchez-candidato-militancia-aspira-corregir-rumbo-gestora/1481445.shtml |language=es |publisher=RTVE |access-date=2 April 2017}} Their personal grudge was so intense that PSOE leaders tried to reduce the campaign tone and cast off fears that the losing side in the primaries might not acknowledge the outcome and split from the party.{{cite news |last=Rodiño |first=Álvaro |date=1 April 2017 |title=Los barones niegan una posible escisión en el partido tras las primarias |url=http://cadenaser.com/ser/2017/04/01/politica/1491038212_825734.html |language=es |publisher=Cadena SER |location=Madrid |access-date=2 April 2017}} Meanwhile, Patxi López presented himself as "the candidate of integration" and the only one able to unite all sides after the primaries—aware that the Díaz–Sánchez polarization was harmful to his campaign—, calling for "unity" to "recover the PSOE" and for his party colleagues to avoid a "major clash" that could result in a permanent rupture.{{cite news |author=Agencias |date=27 March 2017 |title=Patxi López pide debatir con Susana Díaz y Pedro Sánchez |url=http://politica.elpais.com/politica/2017/03/26/actualidad/1490531341_688574.html |language=es |newspaper=El País |location=Madrid |access-date=2 April 2017}}{{cite news |last=Castaño |first=Federico |date=2 April 2017 |title=Desazón en el PSOE: larga vida para Pedro Sánchez si supera el 30% de los votos |url=http://www.vozpopuli.com/politica/Desazon-PSOE-Pedro-Sanchez-supera_0_1012999978.html |language=es |newspaper=VozPópuli |access-date=2 April 2017}}

On 1 April, the party officially set the primary election for 21 May, with candidates intending to run required to obtain the endorsements of at least 5% of party members between 20 April and 4 May in order to be eligible. As in the 2014 primary, voting was restricted to party members.{{cite news |last=Díez |first=Anabel |date=1 April 2017 |title=El comité federal aprueba sin apenas objeciones el proceso de primarias |url=http://politica.elpais.com/politica/2017/04/01/actualidad/1491034944_800453.html |language=es |newspaper=El País |location=Madrid |access-date=2 April 2017}} The congress timetable was approved almost unanimously by the federal committee but was met with the opposition of a handful of Sánchez's supporters, who clashed with the party leadership on the proposed timetable for the communication of membership census—complaining that it might hamper the candidates' collection of endorsements—as well as on the statutory modification proposals which, they claimed, were not delivered to them with enough time in advance. The managing committee rejected these claims and replied that "this has been always done like this", with six Sánchez's supporters ultimately abstaining from the vote on the congress timetable.{{cite news |last=Castro |first=Irene |date=1 April 2017 |title=El PSOE aprueba las bases de su congreso sin el voto de los 'sanchistas' |url=http://www.eldiario.es/politica/PSOE-aprueba-bases-congreso-sanchistas_0_628537302.html |language=es |newspaper=eldiario.es |access-date=2 April 2017}} A single debate was also proposed to be held between the candidates meeting the eligibility requirements, with the PSOE not closing the door to additional debates if candidates so agreed.{{cite news |last=Díez |first=Anabel |date=27 March 2017 |title=Díaz, Sánchez y López confrontarán en un debate sus modelos de país |url=http://politica.elpais.com/politica/2017/03/27/actualidad/1490599105_654388.html |language=es |newspaper=El País |location=Madrid |access-date=2 April 2017}}

With the date for the primary election finally fixed, candidates re-directed their efforts at ensuring enough endorsements to be able to participate in the contest. Susana Díaz commented on the endorsement collection that she gave "a huge value to them [the endorsements]", and that she "greatly respected an endorsement, because when you endorse a person you give your word, you commit yourself and you are able, from that time, to represent that person". Members of her campaign commented that she intended to stage a power demonstration by delivering a huge amount of endorsements, whereas the Sánchez and López campaigns commented that they would only focus their efforts at collecting the required 5% of member signatures to run.{{cite news |last1=Díez |first1=Anabel |last2=Marcos |first2=José |date=1 April 2017 |title=El pulso por el liderazgo del PSOE comienza con la recogida de avales |url=http://politica.elpais.com/politica/2017/04/01/actualidad/1491070059_784101.html |language=es |newspaper=El País |location=Madrid |access-date=2 April 2017}}{{cite news |last1=Sanz |first1=Luis Ángel |date=1 April 2017 |title=La carrera de avales en el PSOE comienza el 20 de abril y se votará el 21 de mayo |url=http://www.elmundo.es/espana/2017/04/01/58dec2ea268e3eb7478b461e.html |language=es |newspaper=El Mundo |location=Madrid |access-date=2 April 2017}} Sánchez, nonetheless, spoke against the organization of the primary process—which he saw as built around Díaz's figure and against his campaign—and warned that "no matter the hindrances and favoritisms, there shall be no wall stopping the force of the Socialist militancy".{{cite news |author1=Europa Press |author2=Agencia EFE |date=2 April 2017 |title=Pedro Sánchez ve "trabas" en las primarias del PSOE y advierte: "No habrá dique que pare a la militancia" |url=http://www.elmundo.es/espana/2017/04/02/58e0f3d746163f8a468b463a.html |language=es |newspaper=El Mundo |location=Gijón |access-date=2 April 2017}}

Díaz's campaign was shaken in early April by two events: on the one hand, Estela Goikoetxea, curtain raiser in Díaz's 26 March rally, resigned as Director of the Public Health Observatory of Cantabria only three days later after it transpired that she had lied on her curriculum vitae, by assuring she was a graduate in Biotechnology for the University of León despite not actually having finished her studies{{cite news |author=Agencias |date=29 March 2017 |title=Estela Goikoetxea, telonera del acto de Susana Díaz, dimite después de falsear su currículum |url=http://www.elmundo.es/espana/2017/03/28/58dacc2a46163f225e8b463f.html |language=es |newspaper=eldiario.es |location=Santander |access-date=10 April 2017}}—with this event also incidentally leading to a crisis in Santander after it was exposed that the local mayor, Gema Igual from the People's Party, was in a similar situation—.{{cite news |author=Europa Press |date=29 March 2017 |title=Gema Igual, alcaldesa de Santander: "No he mentido, ha sido un error y no pienso dimitir" |url=http://www.eldiario.es/norte/cantabria/ultima-hora/Gema-Igual-alcaldesa-Santander-dimitir_0_627488502.html |language=es |newspaper=eldiario.es |location=Santander |access-date=10 April 2017}} Then on 4 April, a recording leaked to the media showed Miguel Ángel Heredia, Secretary-General in the Socialist Parliamentary Group in the Congress and one of Díaz's closest aides, heavily criticizing Podemos leader Pablo Iglesias—dubbing him an "enemy" to PSOE—as well as Sánchez's supporters in the parliamentary group—explicitly referring to Margarita Robles as a "motherfucker"—. Heredia also called for the Socialists' Party of Catalonia's "dissolution"—the PSOE–PSC relations had remained strained in the months following the 2016 PSOE crisis—and justified the party coup against Sánchez in an undisclosed—and officially unconfirmed—government agreement between Sánchez, Unidos Podemos and Republican Left of Catalonia in late September 2016, which the party had allegedly learned from CCOO General Secretary Ignacio Fernández Toxo.{{cite news |last=Moreno |first=Silvia |date=4 April 2017 |title=El hombre de Susana Díaz en el Congreso: "Margarita, hijaputa, antes de opinar afíliate al PSOE" |url=http://www.elmundo.es/andalucia/2017/04/04/58e38a1aca4741cc758b4694.html |language=es |newspaper=El Mundo |location=Seville |access-date=10 April 2017}}{{cite news |last=Moreno |first=Silvia |date=4 April 2017 |title=El secretario del PSOE en el Congreso: "Hay que disolver el PSC" |url=http://www.elmundo.es/andalucia/2017/04/04/58e29fa6268e3e3a538b46a4.html |language=es |newspaper=El Mundo |location=Seville |access-date=10 April 2017}} Toxo immediately denied these claims—claiming to have never heard of such an agreement happening—and urged Heredia to either reveal who his alleged sources within CCOO were or to resign right away, whereas pro-Sánchez deputies demanded his outright resignation.{{cite news |date=4 April 2017 |title=El número dos del PSOE en el Congreso: "Margarita Robles, hijaputa, antes de hablar, afíliate" |url=http://www.eldiario.es/politica/PSOE-Congreso-adversario-PP-Podemos_0_629587191.html |language=es |newspaper=eldiario.es |access-date=10 April 2017}} Heredia apologized for his remarks and argued that the discussion—which, he explained, took place at an informal meeting—had been brought out of context, with close aides blaming Sánchez's supporters for the leak.{{cite news |author=Agencia EFE |date=5 April 2017 |title=El número dos del PSOE en el Congreso pide perdón a Margarita Robles por llamarla "hijaputa" |url=http://www.20minutos.es/noticia/3004593/0/psoe-heredia-robles-disculpas/ |language=es |newspaper=20 minutos |access-date=10 April 2017}} Susana Díaz, visibly upset, claimed that she did not agree with "that kind of assessments, wherever they come from" and that she had been "working for months to recover the respect and fraternity between party colleagues". She, however, did not think that Heredia had to resign.{{cite news |date=4 April 2017 |title=Susana Díaz no comparte las palabras de Heredia y recuerda que ella trabaja por recuperar la "fraternidad" |url=http://www.europapress.es/andalucia/noticia-susana-diaz-no-comparte-palabras-heredia-recuerda-ella-trabaja-recuperar-fraternidad-companeros-20170404201443.html |language=es |publisher=Europa Press |location=Camas |access-date=10 April 2017}}{{cite news |last=Morillo |first=Isabel |date=4 April 2017 |title=Susana Díaz abronca a los suyos y exige que no den munición hablando mal de los rivales |url=http://www.elconfidencial.com/espana/andalucia/2017-04-04/susana-diaz-primarias-psoe-bronca-heredia-hablar-mal-rivales_1361049/ |language=es |newspaper=El Confidencial |location=Sevilla |access-date=10 April 2017}}

The sudden death of former Minister of Defence and party colleague Carme Chacón on 9 April prompted all three candidates for the PSOE leadership to suspend their campaigns for the ensuing days in a show of respect.{{cite news |date=9 April 2017 |title=Los tres candidatos a liderar el PSOE cancelan los actos de campaña por la muerte de Carme Chacón |url=http://ccaa.elpais.com/ccaa/2017/04/09/catalunya/1491764702_849440.html |language=es |newspaper=El País |location=Barcelona |access-date=9 April 2017}} Little activity ensued during the Holy Week holidays in mid-April, with the candidates focused in the collection of endorsements from 20 April to 4 May.{{cite news |last=Romero |first=Juanma |date=17 April 2017 |title=Díaz, Sánchez y López registran sus candidaturas y se lanzan a por los avales |url=http://www.elconfidencial.com/espana/2017-04-17/crisis-psoe-arranque-oficial-carrera-liderazgo-recogida-de-avales-dinamica-39-congreso_1366659/ |language=es |newspaper=El Confidencial |access-date=21 May 2017}}{{cite news |last=Díez |first=Anabel |date=21 April 2017 |title=Los candidatos a liderar el PSOE empiezan a recoger avales con una fuerte campaña en las redes |url=http://politica.elpais.com/politica/2017/04/20/actualidad/1492704142_958490.html |language=es |newspaper=El País |location=Madrid |access-date=21 May 2017}}

The key dates are listed below (all times are CET):{{cite news |last=Castro |first=Irene |date=1 April 2017 |title=El PSOE aprueba las bases de su congreso sin el voto de los 'sanchistas' |url=http://www.eldiario.es/politica/PSOE-aprueba-bases-congreso-sanchistas_0_628537302.html |language=es |newspaper=eldiario.es |access-date=1 April 2017}}

• 1 April: Official announcement of the congress.
• 17 April: Start of pre-candidacy submission period.
• 19 April: End of pre-candidacy submission period at 12 pm.
• 20 April: Start of endorsement collection period.
• 4 May: End of endorsement collection period at 12 pm.
• 8 May: Proclamation of candidates to the party general secretariat.
• 9 May: Official start of internal information campaign.
• 20 May: Last day of internal information campaign.
• 21 May: Primary election.
• 24–28 May: Election of congress delegates.
• 28 May: Deadline for amendment submission.
• 16–18 June: Federal congress.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"

|-

! colspan="3"| Candidate

! Notable positions

! Announced

! Campaign

! {{abbr|Ref.|References}}

|-

! colspan="7"|

|-

| colspan="7"| Candidates who met endorsement requirements and were officially proclaimed to contest the party congress.

|-

| File:Patxi López 2013 (cropped).jpg

| width="1px" style="color:inherit;background:#5FBE74"|

| Patxi López
(age {{age nts|1959|10|4|2017|6|18}})

| Member of the Congress of Deputies for Biscay {{small|(1987–1989 and since 2016)}}
President of the Congress of Deputies {{small|(2016)}}
Secretary of Political Action, Citizenship and Liberties of the PSOE {{small|(2014–2016)}}
Secretary of Political Relations of the PSOE {{small|(2012–2014)}}
Member of the Basque Parliament for Álava {{small|(2012–2014)}}
Secretary-General of the PSE–EE (PSOE) {{small|(2002–2014)}}
Lehendakari {{small|(2009–2012)}}
Member of the Basque Parliament for Biscay {{small|(1991–2012)}}
Secretary-General of the PSE–EE (PSOE) in Biscay {{small|(1997–2002)}}
Secretary of Organization of the PSE–EE (PSOE) {{small|(1991–1995)}}
Secretary-General of the JSE–EGAZ {{small|(1985–1988)}}

| 15 January 2017

| 150px
{{smaller|([http://www.patxilopez.com/ patxilopez.com])}}

| {{cite news |last=Díez |first=Anabel |date=15 January 2017 |title=Patxi López: "Me siento con fuerzas para reconstruir el PSOE, recuperar el liderazgo y derrotar a la derecha" |url=http://politica.elpais.com/politica/2017/01/15/actualidad/1484476432_907535.html |language=es |newspaper=El País |location=Madrid |access-date=26 March 2017}}

|-

| File:Pedro Sánchez 2015l (cropped).jpg

| style="color:inherit;background:#DD2239"|

| Pedro Sánchez
(age {{age nts|1972|2|29|2017|6|18}})

| Secretary-General of the PSOE {{small|(2014–2016)}}
Leader of the Opposition of Spain {{small|(2014–2016)}}
Member of the Congress of Deputies for Madrid {{small|(2009–2011 and 2013–2016)}}
City Councillor of Madrid {{small|(2004–2009)}}

| 28 January 2017

| 150px
{{smaller|([http://sanchezcastejon.es/ sanchezcastejon.es])}}

| {{cite news |last=Limón |first=Raúl |date=28 January 2017 |title=Pedro Sánchez oficializa su candidatura a la secretaría general del PSOE |url=http://politica.elpais.com/politica/2017/01/28/actualidad/1485607288_759266.html |language=es |newspaper=El País |location=Dos Hermanas |access-date=26 March 2017}}

|-

| File:Susana Díaz 2016f (cropped).jpg

| style="color:inherit;background:#FF7F27"|

| Susana Díaz
(age {{age nts|1974|10|18|2017|6|18}})

| President of the Regional Government of Andalusia {{small|(since 2013)}}
Secretary-General of the PSOE–A {{small|(since 2013)}}
Member of the Parliament of Andalusia for Seville {{small|(since 2008)}}
Minister of the Presidency and Equality of Andalusia {{small|(2012–2013)}}
Secretary-General of the PSOE–A in the province of Seville {{small|(2012–2013)}}
Senator appointed by the Parliament of Andalusia {{small|(2011–2012)}}
Secretary of Organization of the PSOE–A {{small|(2010–2012)}}
Secretary of Organization of the PSOE–A in the province of Seville {{small|(2004–2010)}}
Member of the Congress of Deputies for Seville {{small|(2004–2008)}}
Deputy Mayor for Human Resources of Seville {{small|(2003–2004)}}
City Councillor of Seville {{small|(1999–2004)}}
Secretary of Organization of the JSA {{small|(1997–2004)}}

| 26 March 2017

| 150px
{{smaller|([https://web.archive.org/web/20170408054728/http://100por100psoe.com:80/ 100por100psoe.com])}}

| {{cite news |last=Díez |first=Anabel |date=26 March 2017 |title=Susana Díaz: "Vamos a gobernar desde la victoria" |url=http://politica.elpais.com/politica/2017/03/26/actualidad/1490520680_018919.html |language=es |newspaper=El País |location=Madrid |access-date=26 March 2017}}

|-

! colspan="7"|

|-

| colspan="7"| Candidates who announced an intention to run, but failed to qualify due to not meeting endorsement requirements.

|-

| File:Portrait placeholder.svg

| style="color:inherit;background:{{party color|Independent politician}};"|

| Aurelio Belando
(age 66)

| None

| 19 April 2017

| —

| {{cite news |date=19 April 2017 |title=El canario Pedro Antonio Ibañez vuelve a ser precandidato a las primarias para liderar el PSOE |url=https://www.eldiario.es/canariasahora/politica/Pedro-Antonio-Ibanez-precandidato-PSOE_0_634837629.html |language=es |newspaper=eldiario.es |access-date=10 June 2018}}
{{cite news |date=28 April 2017 |title=Los candidatos a liderar el PSOE de los que nadie habla |url=http://www.lavanguardia.com/politica/20170428/422039903262/otros-candidatos-liderar-psoe.html |language=es |newspaper=La Vanguardia |access-date=10 June 2018}}

|-

| File:Portrait placeholder.svg

| style="color:inherit;background:{{party color|Independent politician}};"|

| Pedro Antonio Ibáñez
(age 45)

| None

| 19 April 2017

| —

|

|-

| File:Portrait placeholder.svg

| style="color:inherit;background:{{party color|Independent politician}};"|

| José Froilán Moreno
(age 53)

| None

| 19 April 2017

| —

|

|-

| File:Portrait placeholder.svg

| style="color:inherit;background:{{party color|Independent politician}};"|

| Manuel Pérez
(age 69)

| None

| 19 April 2017

| —

|

|}

The individuals in this section were the subject of speculation about their possible candidacy, but publicly denied or recanted interest in running:

File:Francina Armengol 2019 (cropped).jpg|{{center|Francina Armengol}}

File:Josep Borrell 2016 (cropped).jpg|{{center|Josep Borrell}}

File:Javier Fernández Fernández 2018 (cropped).jpg|{{center|Javier Fernández}}

File:Guillermo Fernández Vara 2018 (cropped).jpg|{{center|Guillermo Fernández Vara}}

File:Ramón Jáuregui 2010 (cropped).jpg|{{center|Ramón Jáuregui}}

File:Eduardo Madina 2014 (cropped).jpg|{{center|Eduardo Madina}}

File:José Antonio Pérez Tapias 2014 (cropped).jpg|{{center|José Antonio Pérez Tapias}}

File:Ignacio Urquizu 2015b (cropped).jpg|{{center|Ignacio Urquizu}}

• Francina Armengol (age {{age nts|1971|08|11|2017|6|18}}) — President of the Government of the Balearic Islands {{small|(since 2015)}}; Secretary-General of the PSIB–PSOE {{small|(since 2012)}}; Member of the Parliament of the Balearic Islands for Mallorca {{small|(since 1999)}}; Member of the PSOE Executive Commission {{small|(2004–2016)}}; Spokesperson of the Socialist Group in the Parliament of the Balearic Islands {{small|(2004–2007 and 2011–2015)}}; Secretary-General of the PSIB–PSOE in Mallorca {{small|(2000–2012)}}; President of the Island Council of Mallorca {{small|(2007–2011)}}; Councillor in the Island Council of Mallorca {{small|(1999–2004 and 2007–2011)}}; City Councillor of Inca {{small|(1998–2000)}}.{{cite news |last1=Portero |first1=Pilar |last2=Cañil |first2=Ana |date=22 December 2016 |title=Francina Armengol, la tercera vía del PSOE |url=http://www.huffingtonpost.es/pilar-portero-y-ana-canil/francina-armengol-la-terc_b_13764000.html |language=es |newspaper=El Huffington Post |access-date=2 April 2017}}{{cite news |date=17 January 2017 |title=Armengol apoya a Patxi López y pide a Sánchez que no se presente |url=http://www.elmundo.es/baleares/2017/01/17/587e5c25ca4741ad728b4646.html |language=es |newspaper=El Mundo |location=Palma |access-date=2 April 2017}}
• Josep Borrell (age {{age nts|1947|4|24|2017|6|18}}) — Member of the European Parliament for Spain {{small|(2004–2009)}}; President of the European Parliament {{small|(2004–2007)}}; Member of the Congress of Deputies for Barcelona {{small|(1986–2004)}}; Member of the PSOE Executive Commission {{small|(1997–2000)}}; Leader of the Opposition of Spain {{small|(1998–1999)}}; Spokesperson of the Socialist Group of the Congress {{small|(1998–1999)}}; Minister of Public Works, Transport and Environment of Spain {{small|(1993–1996)}}; Minister of Public Works and Urbanism of Spain {{small|(1991–1993)}}; Secretary of State of Finance of Spain {{small|(1984–1991)}}; Secretary-General of Budget and Public Expenditure of Spain {{small|(1982–1984)}}; City Councillor of Majadahonda {{small|(1979–1983)}}.{{cite news |date=24 October 2016 |title=Josep Borrell no descarta disputar el liderazgo del PSOE: "No he dicho que no" |url=http://www.eldiario.es/politica/Borrell-descarta-presentarse-liderar-partido_0_572892736.html |language=es |newspaper=eldiario.es |access-date=2 April 2017}}{{cite news |date=24 October 2016 |title=Josep Borrell no descarta presentarse a primarias a secretario general del PSOE, aunque "ahora" no piensa en ello |url=http://www.infolibre.es/noticias/politica/2016/10/24/josep_borrell_descarta_presentarse_como_candidato_secretario_general_del_psoe_aunque_quot_ahora_quot_piensa_ello_56634_1012.html |language=es |newspaper=infoLibre |access-date=2 April 2017}}{{cite news |date=12 December 2016 |title=Josep Borrell tira la toalla y abandona la carrera por liderar el PSOE |url=http://www.elconfidencialdigital.com/politica/Josep-Borrell-abandona-carrera-PSOE_0_2835316453.html |language=es |newspaper=El Confidencial Digital |access-date=2 April 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202015944/http://www.elconfidencialdigital.com/politica/Josep-Borrell-abandona-carrera-PSOE_0_2835316453.html |archive-date=2 February 2017 |url-status=dead }}
• Javier Fernández (age {{age nts|1948|1|7|2017|6|18}}) — President of the PSOE Caretaker Commission {{small|(since 2016)}}; President of the Principality of Asturias {{small|(since 2012)}}; Member of the General Junta of the Principality of Asturias for the Central District {{small|(since 2007)}}; Secretary-General of the FSA–PSOE {{small|(since 2000)}}; Member of the PSOE Executive Commission {{small|(2012–2014)}}; Senator appointed by the General Junta of the Principality of Asturias {{small|(2003–2012)}}; Minister of Industry, Trade and Tourism of Asturias {{small|(1999–2000)}}; Member of the Congress of Deputies for Asturias {{small|(1996–1999)}}; Director-General for Mines and Energy of Asturias {{small|(1991–1995)}}.{{cite news |date=11 October 2016 |title=Javier Fernández asegura que no se presentará a la Secretaría General del PSOE |url=http://www.europapress.es/nacional/noticia-javier-fernandez-asegura-no-presentara-secretaria-general-psoe-20161011104011.html |language=es |publisher=Europa Press |location=Madrid |access-date=2 April 2017}}
• Guillermo Fernández Vara (age {{age nts|1958|10|6|2017|6|18}}) — President of the Regional Government of Extremadura {{small|(2007–2011 and since 2015)}}; Secretary-General of the PSOE of Extremadura {{small|(since 2008)}}; Member of the Assembly of Extremadura for Badajoz {{small|(since 2003)}}; Minister of Health and Consumer Affairs of Extremadura {{small|(1999–2007)}}; City Councillor of Olivenza {{small|(1999)}}; Minister of Social Welfare of Extremadura {{small|(1996–1999)}}; Director-General of Public Health and Consumer Affairs of Extremadura {{small|(1995–1996)}}.{{cite news |last=Sanz |first=Gabriel |date=18 December 2016 |title="Quiero una candidatura de unidad para evitar el choque de trenes en el PSOE" |url=http://www.abc.es/espana/abci-quiero-candidatura-unidad-para-evitar-choque-trenes-psoe-201612181334_noticia.html |language=es |newspaper=ABC |location=Madrid |access-date=2 April 2017}}
• Ramón Jáuregui (age {{age nts|1948|9|1|2017|6|18}}) — President of the PSOE Delegation in the European Parliament {{small|(since 2016)}}; Member of the European Parliament for Spain {{small|(2009–2010 and since 2014)}}; Member of the Congress of Deputies for Álava {{small|(2000–2009 and 2011–2014)}}; Minister of the Presidency {{small|(2010–2011)}}; Secretary-General of the PSOE Delegation in the European Parliament {{small|(2009–2010)}}; Secretary of Regional Policy of the PSOE {{small|(1997–2000)}}; Member of the Basque Parliament for Gipuzkoa {{small|(1980–1983 and 1990–1998)}}; Minister of Justice, Labour and Social Security of the Basque Country {{small|(1995–1997)}}; Secretary-General of the PSE–PSOE/PSE–EE (PSOE) {{small|(1988–1997)}}; Vice Lehendakari {{small|(1987–1991)}}; President of the PSE–PSOE {{small|(1985–1988)}}; Delegate of the Government of Spain in the Basque Country {{small|(1983–1987)}}; City Councillor of San Sebastián {{small|(1979–1980)}}; President of the Caretaker Commission of the City Council of San Sebastián {{small|(1978–1979)}}.{{cite news |date=19 December 2016 |title=Ramón Jáuregui se convierte en el 'tapado' para liderar el PSOE y dejar vía libre a Susana Díaz, pero ésta se niega |language=es |url=http://ecodiario.eleconomista.es/politica/noticias/8034383/12/16/Ramon-Jauregui-se-convierte-en-el-tapado-para-liderar-el-PSOE-y-dejar-via-libre-a-Susana-Diaz-pero-esta-se-niega.html |newspaper=El Economista |access-date=2 April 2017}}{{cite news |agency=Europa Press |date=19 December 2016 |title=Jáuregui se descarta para liderar el PSOE y admite que querría una candidatura única |url=http://www.lavanguardia.com/vida/20161219/412730000295/jauregui-se-descarta-para-liderar-el-psoe-y-admite-que-querria-una-candidatura-unica.html |language=es |newspaper=La Vanguardia |location=Madrid |access-date=2 April 2017}}
• Eduardo Madina (age {{age nts|1976|1|11|2017|6|18}}) — Member of the Congress of Deputies for Madrid {{small|(since 2016)}}; Member of the Congress of Deputies for Biscay {{small|(2004–2015)}}; Secretary-General of the Socialist Parliamentary Group in the Congress {{small|(2009–2014)}}; Member of the PSOE Executive Commission {{small|(2008–2014)}}; City Councillor of Sestao {{small|(1999–2001)}}.{{cite news |date=26 October 2016 |title=Eduardo Madina descarta disputar el liderazgo del PSOE: "Segundas partes nunca fueron buenas" |url=http://www.eldiario.es/politica/Eduardo-Madina-liderazgo-PSOE-Segundas_0_573592764.html |language=es |newspaper=eldiario.es |access-date=2 April 2017}}
• José Antonio Pérez Tapias (age {{age nts|1955|6|3|2017|6|18}}) — Member of the Congress of Deputies for Granada {{small|(2006–2011)}}.{{cite news |last=Castro |first=Irene |date=17 January 2017 |title=El PSOE, pendiente del paso de Pedro Sánchez |url=http://www.eldiario.es/politica/PSOE-pendiente-paso-Pedro-Sanchez_0_602640397.html |language=es |newspaper=eldiario.es |access-date=2 April 2017}}
• Ignacio Urquizu (age {{age nts|1978|11|21|2017|6|18}}) — Member of the Congress of Deputies for Teruel {{small|(since 2016)}}; Senator for Teruel {{small|(2015)}}; Member of the Cortes of Aragon for Teruel {{small|(2015)}}.{{cite news |last=González Egaña |first=Arantza |date=23 November 2016 |title=Ignacio Urquizu: "No soy el tapado del PSOE" |url=http://www.diariovasco.com/politica/201611/23/ignacio-urquizu-diputado-psoe-20161123010841-v.html |language=es |newspaper=El Diario Vasco |location=San Sebastián |access-date=2 April 2017}}

Candidates seeking to run were required to collect the endorsements of at least 5% of party members.{{cite news |last=Castro |first=Irene |date=31 March 2017 |title=Estas son las fechas de la batalla del PSOE |url=http://www.eldiario.es/politica/fechas-batalla-PSOE_0_628188185.html |language=es |newspaper=eldiario.es |access-date=1 April 2017}}

{{bar box

|title=Endorsements by party members

|titlebar=#ddd

|width=450px

|barwidth=500px

|bars=

{{bar percent|Díaz|#FF7F27|48.27}}

{{bar percent|Sánchez|#DD2239|43.03}}

{{bar percent|López|#5FBE74|8.71}}

}}

;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 members, who were the ones ultimately entitled to vote in the primary election.

{{bar box

|title=Vote by party members

|titlebar=#ddd

|width=450px

|barwidth=500px

|bars=

{{bar percent|Sánchez|#DD2239|49.93}}

{{bar percent|Díaz|#FF7F27|39.64}}

{{bar percent|López|#5FBE74|9.78}}

{{bar percent|Blank ballots|#DDDDDD|0.65}}

}}

{{bar box

|title=Vote by delegates (Executive Commission)

|titlebar=#ddd

|width=450px

|barwidth=500px

|bars=

{{bar percent|Sánchez|#DD2239|71.10}}

{{bar percent|Blank ballots|#DDDDDD|28.90}}

}}

{{notelist}}

;Opinion poll sources

{{reflist|group="p"}}

;Other

{{reflist}}

{{Spanish Socialist Workers' Party}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:PSOE congress, 2017}}

Category:2017 conferences

Category:2017 elections in Spain

Category:2017 political party leadership elections

Category:May 2017 in Spain

Category:June 2017 in Spain

Category:Primary elections in Spain

2017