The 19th National Congress of the People's Party, officially the 19th Extraordinary National Congress, was held in
Madrid from 20 to 21 July 2018, to renovate the governing bodies of the
People's Party (PP) and establish the party's main lines of action and strategy for the next leadership term. A
primary election
Primary elections, or direct primary are a voting process by which voters can indicate their preference for their party's candidate, or a candidate in general, in an upcoming general election, local election, or by-election. Depending on the ...
to elect the new party president was held on 5 July. The congress was called by the party's National Board of Directors on 11 June as a consequence of former
Spanish prime minister Mariano Rajoy's resignation as PP leader on 5 June,
following the
motion of no confidence that had voted his government down on 1 June. The leadership election was the first whereby PP members directly participate in choosing a leader for the party. On 26 June 2018, it was announced that only 66,706 PP members out of the 869,535 reported by the party had registered to vote in the election.
Former
deputy prime minister Soraya Sáenz de Santamaría and the party's vice secretary-general of Communication
Pablo Casado
Pablo Casado Blanco (; born 1 February 1981) is a Spanish former politician. He was a member of the Congress of Deputies representing Madrid until 4 April 2022, having previously represented Ávila between 2011 and 2019. From 2015 to 2018, he al ...
topped the poll in the
primary election
Primary elections, or direct primary are a voting process by which voters can indicate their preference for their party's candidate, or a candidate in general, in an upcoming general election, local election, or by-election. Depending on the ...
held on 5 July 2018, becoming eligible for the run-off to be held among party's delegates on 20−21 July. After preliminary data was published, Sáenz de Santamaría conceded the election and acknowledged Casado's victory. Casado's win, which was considered a party swing towards the right, was possible through the support to his candidacy of former party secretary-general
María Dolores de Cospedal
María Dolores Cospedal García (born 13 December 1965) is a Spanish politician. A member of the People's Party (PP), she served as President of Castile-La Mancha from 2011 to 2015 and as Minister of Defence of the Government of Spain from 201 ...
, who had been a bitter rival of Santamaría during the PP's time in government.
Overview
The congress of the PP was the party's supreme body, and could be of either ordinary or extraordinary nature, depending on whether it was held following the natural end of its term or due to any other exceptional circumstances not linked to this event. Ordinary congresses were to be held every four years and called at least two months in advance of their celebration, though this timetable could be altered for up to twelve months in the event of coincidence with electoral processes. Extraordinary congresses had to be called by a two-thirds majority of the
Board of Directors
A board of directors (commonly referred simply as the board) is an executive committee that jointly supervises the activities of an organization, which can be either a for-profit or a nonprofit organization such as a business, nonprofit organiz ...
at least one-and-a-half month in advance of their celebration, though in cases of "exceptional urgency" this deadline could be reduced to thirty days.
The president of the PP was the party's head and the person holding the party's political and legal representation, and presided over its Board of Directors and Executive Committee, which were the party's maximum directive, governing and administration bodies between congresses.
Electoral system
The election of the PP president was based on a
two-round system, introduced in the party statutes during the
previous PP congress in 2017. Any party member with at least one-year membership was eligible for the post of party president, on the condition that they were up to date with the payment of party fees and that they were able to secure the signed endorsements of at least 100 party members. The election was to be held in the party's 60 constituencies, corresponding to each
province and
island of Spain.
In the first round, all registered party members who had their payment fees up to date were allowed to vote for any of the candidates who had been officially proclaimed by virtue of securing the required amount of signatures to run. In the event that no candidate won the first round outright—which required securing at least 50 percent of the national vote, being the most voted candidate in at least half of the constituencies and at least a 15-percentage point advantage over the runner-up—a second round would be held concurrently with the party congress, in which party delegates would elect the new party leader from among the two candidates who had previously received the most votes in the first round. Most of the delegates were to be elected by party members concurrently with the first round of voting to the party leadership.
Timetable
The key dates are listed below (all times are
CEST CEST or cest may refer to:
* Central European Summer Time (UTC+2), daylight saving time observed in the central European time zone
* Cognitive-Experiential Self-Theory
* Chemical Exchange Saturation Transfer, a subset of Magnetization transfer in ...
. Note that the
Canary Islands
The Canary Islands (; es, Canarias, ), also known informally as the Canaries, are a Spanish autonomous community and archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean, in Macaronesia. At their closest point to the African mainland, they are west of Morocc ...
use
WEST (
UTC+1) instead):
*11 June: Official announcement of the congress. Start of application period for party members to register in order to participate in the leadership election.
*18 June: Start of candidate submission period at 12 pm.
*20 June: End of candidate submission period at 2 pm.
*22 June: Proclamation of candidates to the party presidency.
*23 June: Official start of internal
electoral campaigning
A political campaign is an organized effort which seeks to influence the decision making progress within a specific group. In democracies, political campaigns often refer to electoral campaigns, by which representatives are chosen or referend ...
(at 10 am).
*25 June: Deadline for party members to register for voting at 2 pm.
*29 June: Deadline for party members to apply as delegates at 2 pm.
*4 July: Last day of internal electoral campaigning.
*5 July: Primary election (first round of voting, with all registered party members entitled to vote for the proclaimed candidates) and election of congress delegates.
*20−21 July: Party congress (if needed, a run-off voting was to be held among delegates to elect the party leader among the two most voted candidates in the first round).
Candidates
Declined
The individuals in this section were the subject of speculation about their possible candidacy, but publicly denied or recanted interest in running:
File:Alfonso Alonso 2015b (cropped).jpg,
File:José Ramón Bauzà 2015 (cropped).jpg,
File:Cristina Cifuentes 2018 (cropped).jpg,
File:Íñigo de la Serna 2017c (cropped).jpg,
File:Alberto Núñez Feijóo 2017 (cropped).jpg,
File:Ana Pastor Julián 2016 (cropped).jpg,
File:Mariano Rajoy 2018b (cropped).jpg,
*
Alfonso Alonso
Alfonso Alonso Aranegui (born 14 April 1967) is a Spanish politician, member of the People's Party and Minister of Health, Social Services and Equality from 2014 to 2016.
References
{{DEFAULTSORT:Alonso, Alfonso
1967 births
Health mini ...
(age ) —
Deputy
Deputy or depute may refer to:
* Steward (office)
* Khalifa, an Arabic title that can signify "deputy"
* Deputy (legislator), a legislator in many countries and regions, including:
** A member of a Chamber of Deputies, for example in Italy, Spai ...
in the
Basque Parliament for
Álava (since 2016);
President of the PP of the Basque Country (since 2015);
Minister of Health, Social Services and Equality (2014–2016);
Deputy
Deputy or depute may refer to:
* Steward (office)
* Khalifa, an Arabic title that can signify "deputy"
* Deputy (legislator), a legislator in many countries and regions, including:
** A member of a Chamber of Deputies, for example in Italy, Spai ...
in the
Cortes Generales for
Álava (2000–2002 and 2008–2016);
Spokesperson of the PP Group in the
Congress of Deputies (2011–2014);
City Councillor of
Vitoria
Vitoria or Vitória may refer to :
People
* Francisco de Vitoria (c. 1483–1546), a Spanish Renaissance theologian
* Alberto Vitoria (1956–2010), Spanish footballer
* Rui Vitória (born 1970), Portuguese retired footballer
* Steven Vitória (b ...
(1996–2008);
Mayor of Vitoria (1999–2007).
*
José Ramón Bauzá
José Ramón Bauzá Díaz (born 16 November 1970) is a Spanish politician and the president of the Autonomous Community of the Balearic Islands from 2011 to 2015. Born to a Majorcan father and a mother native to Madrid, he is licensed as a pharma ...
(age ) —
Senator
A senate is a deliberative assembly, often the upper house or chamber of a bicameral legislature. The name comes from the ancient Roman Senate (Latin: ''Senatus''), so-called as an assembly of the senior (Latin: ''senex'' meaning "the el ...
in the
Cortes Generales appointed by the
Parliament of the Balearic Islands (since 2015);
Deputy
Deputy or depute may refer to:
* Steward (office)
* Khalifa, an Arabic title that can signify "deputy"
* Deputy (legislator), a legislator in many countries and regions, including:
** A member of a Chamber of Deputies, for example in Italy, Spai ...
in the
Parliament of the Balearic Islands for
Mallorca
Mallorca, or Majorca, is the largest island in the Balearic Islands, which are part of Spain and located in the Mediterranean.
The capital of the island, Palma, is also the capital of the autonomous community of the Balearic Islands. The Bal ...
(2011–2015);
President of the Balearic Islands
The president of the Balearic Islands is the head of government of the Balearic Islands, one of the 17 autonomous communities of Spain, while the monarch Felipe VI remains the head of state as King of Spain
, coatofarms = File:Coa ...
(2011–2015);
President of the PP of the Balearic Islands (2009–2015);
Mayor of Marratxí (2005–2011);
City Councillor of
Marratxí (1999–2011);
Vice President of the PP of the Balearic Islands (2007–2009);
Deputy Mayor for Urbanism and Health of Marratxí (2003–2005).
*
Cristina Cifuentes
María Cristina Cifuentes Cuencas (born 1 July 1964) is a former Spanish politician from the People's Party. She was the President of the Community of Madrid from 24 June 2015 to her 25 April 2018 resignation. From 16 January 2012 to 13 April 2 ...
(age ) —
President of the PP of the Community of Madrid (2017–2018);
President of the Community of Madrid (2015–2018);
Deputy
Deputy or depute may refer to:
* Steward (office)
* Khalifa, an Arabic title that can signify "deputy"
* Deputy (legislator), a legislator in many countries and regions, including:
** A member of a Chamber of Deputies, for example in Italy, Spai ...
in the
Assembly of Madrid (1991–2012 and 2015–2018);
President of the PP Group in the
Assembly of Madrid (2015);
Government's Delegate in Madrid (2012–2015);
First Vice President of the Assembly of Madrid (2005–2012);
First Secretary of the Assembly of Madrid (1999–2003).
*
Íñigo de la Serna (age ) —
Minister of Development of Spain (2016–2018);
Deputy
Deputy or depute may refer to:
* Steward (office)
* Khalifa, an Arabic title that can signify "deputy"
* Deputy (legislator), a legislator in many countries and regions, including:
** A member of a Chamber of Deputies, for example in Italy, Spai ...
in the
Parliament of Cantabria
The Parliament of Cantabria, is the unicameral legislature of the Autonomous Community of Cantabria. It consists of 35 members called "deputies" which are freely elected by the citizens of the region. The Parliament convenes at the Saint Raphael ...
(2015–2016);
President of the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (2015–2016);
Mayor of Santander (2007–2016);
City Councillor of
Santander
Santander may refer to:
Places
* Santander, Spain, a port city and capital of the autonomous community of Cantabria, Spain
* Santander Department, a department of Colombia
* Santander State, former state of Colombia
* Santander de Quilichao, a m ...
(2003–2016);
President of the Spanish Federation of Municipalities and Provinces (2012–2015).
*
Alberto Núñez Feijóo (age ) —
President of the Xunta de Galicia
The president of the Regional Government of Galicia ( gl, Presidente da Xunta de Galicia, es, Presidente de la Xunta de Galicia), is the head of government of Galicia. The president leads the executive branch of the regional government.
The c ...
(since 2009);
President of the PP of Galicia (since 2006);
Deputy
Deputy or depute may refer to:
* Steward (office)
* Khalifa, an Arabic title that can signify "deputy"
* Deputy (legislator), a legislator in many countries and regions, including:
** A member of a Chamber of Deputies, for example in Italy, Spai ...
in the
Parliament of Galicia for
Pontevedra (since 2005);
First Vice President of the Xunta de Galicia (2004–2005);
Minister of Territorial Policy, Public Works and Housing of Galicia (2003–2005);
President of the State Society of Mail and Telegraphs (2000–2003);
Secretary-General for Healthcare (1996–2000).
*
Ana Pastor (age ) —
President of the Congress of Deputies
The president of the Congress of Deputies ( es, Presidente del Congreso de los Diputados) is the speaker of the Congress of Deputies, the lower house of the Cortes Generales (the Spanish parliament). The president is elected among the members o ...
(since 2016);
Deputy
Deputy or depute may refer to:
* Steward (office)
* Khalifa, an Arabic title that can signify "deputy"
* Deputy (legislator), a legislator in many countries and regions, including:
** A member of a Chamber of Deputies, for example in Italy, Spai ...
in the
Cortes Generales for
Pontevedra (since 1996);
Minister of Development of Spain (2011–2016);
Coordinator of Participation and Sectorial Action of the PP (2008–2012);
Second Vice President of the Congress of Deputies (2008–2011);
Executive Secretary of Social Policy and Welfare of the PP (2004–2008);
Minister of Health and Consumer Affairs (2002–2004);
Undersecretary of Interior of Spain (2001–2002);
Undersecretary of the Presidency of Spain (2000–2001);
Undersecretary of Education and Culture of Spain (1999–2000).
*
Mariano Rajoy (age ) —
Prime Minister of Spain (2011–2018);
President of the PP (2004–2018);
Deputy
Deputy or depute may refer to:
* Steward (office)
* Khalifa, an Arabic title that can signify "deputy"
* Deputy (legislator), a legislator in many countries and regions, including:
** A member of a Chamber of Deputies, for example in Italy, Spai ...
in the
Cortes Generales for
Pontevedra and
Madrid (1986 and 1989–2018);
Leader of the Opposition of Spain (2004–2011);
Secretary-General of the PP (2003–2004);
Spokesperson of the Government of Spain
The Spokesperson of the Government of Spain is a high ranking of the Government of Spain whose purpose is to inform and communicate to society the political and institutional action of the central government. Its headquarters is located in the den ...
(2002–2003);
Minister of the Presidency of Spain (2000–2001 and 2002–2003);
First Deputy Prime Minister of Spain (2000–2003);
Vice Secretary-General of the PP (1990–2003);
Minister of the Interior of Spain
The Ministry of the Interior (MIR) is a department of the Government of Spain responsible for public security, the protection of the constitutional rights, the command of the law enforcement agencies, national security, immigration affairs, ...
(2001–2002);
Minister of Education and Culture of Spain (1999–2000);
Minister of Public Administrations of Spain (1996–1999);
President of AP/
PP in
Pontevedra (1983–1986 and 1987–1991);
Vice President of the Xunta de Galicia (1986–1987);
President of the Provincial Deputation of
Pontevedra (1983–1986);
City Councillor of
Pontevedra (1983–1986);
Deputy
Deputy or depute may refer to:
* Steward (office)
* Khalifa, an Arabic title that can signify "deputy"
* Deputy (legislator), a legislator in many countries and regions, including:
** A member of a Chamber of Deputies, for example in Italy, Spai ...
in the
Parliament of Galicia for
Pontevedra (1981–1985);
Director-General of Institutional Relations of Galicia (1982);
Vice Secretary of the Parliament of Galicia (1981–1982).
Endorsements
Total
Candidates seeking to run were required to collect the endorsements of at least 100 party members.
Public endorsements
Pablo Casado
Elio Cabanes
María Dolores de Cospedal
José Ramón García-Hernández
José Manuel García-Margallo
Soraya Sáenz de Santamaría
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 PP voters/supporters as well as Spanish voters as a whole, but not among party members, who are the ones ultimately entitled to vote in the primary election.
PP voters
Spanish voters
Delegate estimations
Results
Overall
By region
By province
Notes
References
;Opinion poll sources
;Other
{{People's Party (Spain)
July 2018 events in Spain
Political party leadership elections in Spain
PP leadership election