Leadership succession and electoral timeline

Culture Minister Ernest Urtasun opened the door on Thursday to becoming the lead candidate for the reorganized Sumar coalition in the upcoming general elections. Speaking in an interview with Catalunya Ràdio, Urtasun departed from his previous stance of merely supporting another chosen head of list, stating he will take on whatever responsibility his party members assign him. The junior coalition partner is in the process of rebuilding its structure across Izquierda Unida, Movimiento Sumar, Comuns, and Más Madrid following Second Deputy Prime Minister Yolanda Díaz's decision not to run again. The alliance originally planned to unveil its new brand and presidential candidate in September after missing a pre-summer deadline, but organizers postponed the announcement to early or mid-October due to the migration crisis in Ceuta and organizational structuring.

“I will play the role that my colleagues decide.”

Cabinet reactions and coalition unity

Minister of Social Rights Pablo Bustinduy backed the coalition's deliberate pace during an appearance on La Sexta, arguing that taking time avoids noise and premature moves. Bustinduy stated that his own role will remain that of a team player focusing entirely on his ministerial duties until the end of the term. He rejected assertions that the legislature is coming to an early close, pointing to upcoming negotiations over the General State Budget and planned interventions in the housing market. Addressing regional pressures, Bustinduy also called for transferring vulnerable migrants from Ceuta to mainland Spain, criticizing opposition resistance to relocation efforts.

Wealth tax proposal for child support

Alongside internal leadership deliberations, Sumar registered a bill in the Congress of Deputies on Thursday to establish a 3% levy on net fortunes exceeding 50 million euros. The party estimates the levy will affect approximately 1,500 taxpayers and generate up to 4.2 billion euros annually. Designed as a non-tributary public patrimonial contribution rather than a standard tax, the mechanism prevents regional administrations from applying exemptions or reducing rates. The proposal removes the family business exemption and eliminates the existing cap that limits combined personal income and wealth tax payments to 60% of the income tax base. Revenue from the measure would flow into a dedicated Child Protection Fund to finance a universal child-rearing benefit.

Spain10.7%

EU average8.1%

Portugal3.9%

Poland1.6%

Spain

10.7 %

EU average

8.1 %

Portugal

3.9 %

Poland

1.6 %

Data from the article text

Budget negotiations and child poverty targets

The legislative filing follows the formal opening of budget negotiations on Wednesday between Urtasun and Treasury Secretary of State Arcadi España. Sumar argues the fiscal measure is needed to address child poverty rates, pointing out that 13 out of every 100 poor children in the European Union live in Spain. According to figures presented with the bill, 10.7% of Spanish children under 16 experience poverty, compared to an EU average of 8.1%, 3.9% in Portugal, and 1.6% in Poland. In addition to child benefits, Sumar's budget platform prioritizes public housing, energy transition programs, and increased funding for cultural initiatives and Catalan language promotion.