The B side in PSOE of the Cerdán case: Sánchez's chief of staff 'marked'

President Pedro Sánchez has made a decisive move within PSOE. The President has decided to intervene directly in the party's internal crisis after the "Koldo case".

This Monday, Sánchez imposed an interim leadership, formally "expelled" José Luis Ábalos, and set a new roadmap for PSOE. One of the most symbolic moves was the definitive downfall of Santos Cerdán. Although no formal proceedings were opened against him, Cerdán chose to resign from the party. He also decided to give up his seat as a deputy, thus losing his parliamentary immunity. 

His departure also represents a strategic "relief" for Sánchez, according to party sources. The President avoids the uncomfortable moment of seeing Cerdán and Ábalos sharing a seat in the "backbench" of Congress. 

Interim Leadership Until July 5 In PSOE

Meanwhile, an interim leadership of PSOE has been appointed, which will be in charge of day-to-day management until the Federal Committee meeting on July 5 in Madrid. On that date, a deeper renewal of the executive is expected. The designation of this date has upset Partido Popular. That day marks the start of the Congress that will certify the candidacy of Alberto Núñez Feijóo for 2027. 

The new socialist leadership is made up of Cristina Narbona, Montse Mínguez, Borja Cabezón, and Ana Fuentes. This decision points to an orderly transition and to quelling any attempt at internal revolt or territorial tensions.

In fact, one of the most affected by this shift is the Jaén native Juanfran Serrano. Cerdán's right-hand man, who was considered his natural heir, was heavily criticized and is now out of the game. The reason is his abrupt way of managing relations with provincial federations.

The Figure Of Diego Rubio: The Strategist's Rise

The "Cerdán case" has caught PSOE off guard. In particular, Diego Rubio has appeared especially "clueless" in recent days, according to socialist sources. The Extremaduran, an expert in envisioning Spain in 2050, seems disconnected from 2025's Spain. "He's got his head in the clouds," they say.

Rubio, who cultivates a deliberately low profile, is still highly valued by the President. However, some believe that Sánchez would need a Chief of Staff more attuned to current events. That way, the President would avoid becoming entrenched in "a court full of futurists and flatterers," the same sources point out. 

Rubio, an Extremaduran with a technocratic profile, represents a commitment to academic excellence and long-term strategy. He graduated in History with the highest academic record in Spain and completed his education at the Sorbonne and the University of Oxford.

After a brief period in academia and consulting, he was recruited by Moncloa in 2020 to lead the National Office of Foresight and Long-Term Country Strategy. This body was created to anticipate structural challenges in key areas such as Demography, Education, Geopolitics, or Sustainability.

During the pandemic, he was part of the committee of experts that advised the Government in making strategic decisions. In 2023, he was appointed Secretary General of Public Policies, European Affairs, and Strategic Foresight. From this newly created position, PSOE aimed to ensure the coherence and effectiveness of public policies. This latest appointment showed Sánchez's complete trust in him. Last year, Rubio was promoted to Chief of Staff, replacing Óscar López. 

A "Futurist" At The Heart Of Power

In the corridors of Moncloa, Diego Rubio is already nicknamed the "futurist". However, his colleagues prefer to refer to him as one of the country's brightest minds.

Rubio represents a new generation of advisers with international training and a structuralist vision of power and public policies. Compared to more political profiles, his style is "more analytical, less emotional". Above all, more results-oriented in the medium and long term.

His rise also marked a shift in the way Sánchez wants to face the coming years of the legislature. Less improvisation, more strategy, and a greater emphasis on public policies that leave a mark.

In a turbulent European context, with key elections on the horizon and internal tensions in several autonomous communities, having a "future architect" was going to be a technical asset. But "when problems get tough, Rubio doesn't measure up," according to some voices. 

Sánchez Will Rearm His Team

What happened this Monday in PSOE and at La Moncloa is not just an internal adjustment. It's a political, strategic, and symbolic rearmament by President Pedro Sánchez. He has shaken off the "dead weight" of Ábalos and Cerdán, has quelled any attempt at an organic revolt, and has also put a controlled management team at the head of the party. At the same time, he could strengthen his inner circle. 

"Sánchez knows he's got a lot at stake in the coming months and wants to work another miracle," party sources analyze for elcierredigital.com. For that, he'll need a new trusted team. The Minister of Transport, Óscar Puente, according to some predictions, could become the next Secretary of Organization. Despite his great popularity among the membership, some of his shadows in Valladolid and his closeness to some influential builders could "leave him empty-handed".