Madrid's Government Delegate Resigns After Being Dropped From PSOE Candidate Lists

Francisco Martín, who has served as government delegate for the Madrid region since March 2023, submitted his resignation on Sunday after being left off the PSOE candidate lists for Congress and Senate in the general election scheduled for November 29. Multiple sources close to the Socialist politician confirmed that his exclusion from the candidacies prompted his immediate resignation from the post.

Martín had been known for his tacit support of Enma López during the PSOE primary elections in Madrid. His removal from the lists comes five weeks before polling day and has sparked internal debate within the party over the timing and implications of his decision.

The resignation has taken much of the regional PSOE by surprise, with party members viewing it as a purely personal decision motivated by Martín's anger at being excluded from the candidacies. Socialist leaders criticised the former delegate for resigning on the eve of the election, arguing that "it benefits neither him nor the organisation". Transport Minister Óscar Puente confirmed he spoke with Martín before his resignation was made public and stated that the former delegate understands that "when it comes to candidate lists, we are all subject to what the organisation decides".

The loss of office carries additional consequences for Martín. By not running for a seat in Congress or Senate, he loses his immunity status at a moment when parties such as Vox have announced plans to file legal complaints against him, according to press reports. The resignation also occurs amid controversy surrounding the Sol protest encampment.

The Government will appoint a successor to the delegate position at this Tuesday's Cabinet meeting. Meanwhile, the Madrid PSOE acknowledges that Martín's resignation leaves them with a "loss" and has raised concerns about the open fronts remaining in the region.

From the Madrid regional government, the administration of Díaz Ayuso has branded Francisco Martín Aguirre as "the worst government delegate the Madrid region has ever had" and interprets his resignation as a sign that "Sanchism is falling apart".