Overview
- Founded in 1879 by Pablo Iglesias Posse, PSOE is Spain's oldest political party and the second-oldest workers' party in Europe.
- The anniversary highlights the party's transformation from a clandestine workers' movement to a modern, institutional governing party under leaders like Pedro Sánchez.
- PSOE leaders used the occasion to critique the Partido Popular's governance in Madrid, particularly Isabel Díaz Ayuso's exclusion of the central government from regional celebrations.
- Under Sánchez, the party has faced criticism for prioritizing pragmatism and coalition management over its foundational socialist ideals.
- Core principles like social rights, public education, and universal healthcare remain central to PSOE's platform, despite debates over its ideological direction.