The strained relationship between María Jesús Montero and Rafi Crespín, general secretary of the Cordovan socialists, was an open secret. This distance became evident with the publication of the candidacies for the elections on May 17, where Crespín has been sidelined from her ambition to move from the Congress of Deputies to the Parliament of Andalusia.
The decision to name Silvia Mellado, mayor of Fuente Obejuna, as the head of the list for Córdoba, has surprised many within the party. Socialist sources indicate that Crespín had tried to force her inclusion, even publicly offering herself to the grassroots, despite having received a prior warning from the Andalusian leadership of the PSOE that she would not be the number one.
“"If I don't go, neither does she."
This phrase, attributed to Rafi Crespín in reference to Isabel Ambrosio, former mayor of Córdoba and with aspirations for the list, reflects deep discontent. Ultimately, neither of them was included, forcing Ambrosio to return to her position at the Diputación de Córdoba.
The choice of Silvia Mellado has also generated internal doubts, especially given the political context of her region, Guadiato. This area has been the scene of problems and alleged non-compliance by the Government of Pedro Sánchez, such as the blocking of the La Colada link with Sierra Boyera and the management of the N-432 by the Ministry of Transport. Furthermore, the aspiration to improve the electricity grid in Guadiato, promised by María Jesús Montero, has not yet dispelled uncertainties.
The socialist candidacy includes Esteban Morales, spokesperson in the Diputación, at number two, a more anticipated choice. Other names, such as Victoria Fernández, former councilwoman of the Córdoba City Council and advisor to Minister Luis Planas, complete a list that, according to party sources, has left a trail of "political wounds" among those seeking a position at a time of scarcity of public offices for the PSOE in the province.
