The formation of the PSOE Cádiz list for the upcoming Andalusian elections on May 17 has revealed internal tensions. Juan Carlos Ruiz Boix, the provincial secretary, has been compelled to include Fernando López Gil, a politician openly critical of his leadership and close to the mayor of San Fernando, Patricia Cavada, in prominent positions.

This decision comes amidst a climate of division within the party, still grappling with the aftermath of closely contested internal elections for the General Secretariat. In those contests, Ruiz Boix narrowly defeated Javier Ruiz Arana, who had the backing of significant figures such as Patricia Cavada and the mayor of Chiclana, José María Román.

The inclusion of López Gil, who previously held a seat in the Andalusian Parliament after Rafael Márquez's resignation, aims to balance the different factions. Juan María Cornejo, the current provincial Organization Secretary and spokesperson in the Medina Sidonia City Council, is Ruiz Boix's choice to lead the list, with Rocío Arrabal and Fernando López Gil himself in key positions.

The situation for PSOE Cádiz is delicate, having suffered four consecutive defeats in crucial elections since 2022. Current polls are unfavorable, positioning the Partido Popular as the clear favorite in the province, which adds pressure to the need for internal unity.