Crisis in Podemos? The mistakes that could cost their future

Lately, you have surely heard about the crisis in Podemos. It's in the headlines, in TV talk shows and, of course, in Twitter debates (or X, as they call it now). It seems that the party that arrived stomping a few years ago, with that air of revolution and change, is going through a difficult time. But are we really facing a serious crisis or is it just another of those turbulences that any party has when it has been in the political arena for a while?

Is there a crisis in Podemos?

The question is in the air: is there really a crisis in Podemos or are we just seeing the typical wear and tear that any party suffers when it goes from being a novelty to being part of the system? Because of course, criticizing from the outside is not the same as managing from within. Let's see what is happening, reviewing a little of its history, the changes in the leadership, the results at the polls and that atmosphere of internal "bad vibes" that has been discussed so much lately.

From illusion to wear and tear: a lightning trip

If we look back, Podemos was born in 2014 as a real political earthquake. In the midst of the economic crisis, with people fed up with cuts and corruption, he appeared with a direct, fresh speech that was very connected to the social anger of the moment. In no time, they went from being four university professors with a program on YouTube to sitting in Congress as the third political force. Brutal, right?

Changes in leadership: renewal or lack of direction?

One of the clearest symptoms that something is not quite right is the dance of names in the party leadership. The departure of Pablo Iglesias was a turning point. He was not only the leader; He was the face, the voice and almost the soul of the project. Then came Ione Belarra and Irene Montero, trying to keep up, but things no longer sounded the same.

Electoral results: from euphoria to reality

The numbers also speak. After the surge of its first elections, Podemos has been losing steam at the polls. It is not that they have sunk, but they have gone from being “the great hope” to having a more secondary role. And that, whether you like it or not, weighs.

Internal fights: the worst enemy is at home

If there is something that fuels the idea of ​​a crisis in Podemos, it is the internal fights. Power struggles, friction between leaders and strategic differences have come to light more than once. And of course, when a party airs its problems in public, damage to its image is inevitable.

Factors that contribute to the perception of crisis in Podemos

Ok, we have already talked about there being a crisis in Podemos, but the question is: why does it give such a feeling? Because it is one thing for there to be internal problems (which there are) and quite another for public perception to turn it into a constant drama. The reality is that politics is not only experienced in Congress, it is also played in the media, on social networks and, of course, in the minds of the people.

1. The media: the speaker that never goes off

If there is something that has power in politics, it is the media. And with Podemos, things have been intense from minute one. Since they appeared, they have been the center of attention, for better and for worse.

2. Social networks: where everything explodes in seconds

If traditional media are a loudspeaker, social networks are an echo bomb. Here anything can go viral in a matter of minutes, and that is a double-edged sword.

3. Crisis communication management: is it being done right?

It's not just a matter of what problems you have, but how you manage them. And here Podemos has had some setbacks. The way they respond to internal conflicts or external criticism sometimes seems more improvised than planned.

4. Electorate expectations: too high?

Another important factor is how people's expectations have changed. When Podemos appeared, it promised to change everything: the way of doing politics, the system, the relationship with citizens... And of course, that creates an enormous illusion, but also brutal pressure.

Podemos and the woke culture: A bond in transformation?

When we talk about the crisis in Podemos, there is a topic that lurks around and that, although it is not always mentioned directly, has a lot to do with it: its relationship with the woke culture. Yes, that term that some defend tooth and nail and others use almost as an insult. But what does all this have to do with Podemos? Well, quite a bit. Let's try to untangle this mess.

1. What is woke culture and why does it matter?

For a start, woke It comes from “being awake”, that is, being aware of social injustices, racism, feminism, LGTBI rights, climate change... Originally, it had a positive meaning, like being attentive to what is happening around you and not looking the other way.

But, of course, over time the term has been twisted. Now, in some contexts, it is used to criticize what is considered an excess of political correctness or a kind of “moral superiority” that does not allow nuances. And in politics, that has become a weapon.

2. Podemos and social movements: an intense relationship

Since its birth, Podemos has been closely linked to social causes. In fact, one of its strong points was precisely to give a voice in the institutions to struggles that until then had remained in the streets. Feminism, LGTBI rights, anti-racism, environmentalism... all of this is part of the party's DNA.

3. Is woke culture losing strength in Spain?

This is the big question. In countries like the United States, there is already a certain “fatigue” with the subject. Here, in Spain, things are different, but there is a change of atmosphere.

4. And how does this affect Podemos?

Well, quite a bit, really. On the one hand, they have a voter base that remains committed to these social struggles. But, on the other hand, there is a sector that feels that the party has distanced itself from the most urgent day-to-day problems.

Podemos' digital reputation: a reflection of its current crisis

If there is something that defines politics today, it is that it is no longer played only in rallies or in congressional debates. Now, much of the battle is on the Internet, especially on social networks. And the crisis in Podemos is not just a matter of polls or internal fights; It also has a lot to do with how the match is perceived in the digital world. Because, let's be honest, today online reputation can make or break any project, political or not.

1. The importance of controlling the story

In politics, perception is almost everything. You can have the best ideas in the world, but if you don't know how to tell them well or if the story that circulates about you is negative, you are lost. And here Podemos has an interesting story.

• The boom of the beginnings: In its first years, Podemos was an example of how to rock it on social networks. They knew how to connect with young people, with direct messages, viral videos and a speech that broke with the usual. It seemed like they had the magic formula to mobilize and engage.
• Wear over time: But of course, maintaining that freshness is not easy. Over the years, that powerful narrative has deflated. The networks, which were once their favorite playground, are now a space where criticism and controversies spread at full speed. And that's where the real challenge begins: how to regain control of the story when it seems like everything is working against you?

2. Social networks: a loudspeaker and a minefield

Social networks are a brutal tool to reach people, but they can also be a trap if you don't know how to use them. And Podemos has experienced both sides of the coin.

• When everything goes viral (for better or worse): An unfortunate tweet, a video taken out of context or a controversial statement can become a media fire in a matter of minutes. And the worst thing is that, once the topic goes viral, there is no way to fully control it. This has happened to Podemos more than once.
• The haters phenomenon: Plus, the Internet is full of professional haters. No matter what you do, there will always be someone ready to criticize. And when these criticisms become a trend, they affect the general perception, even if they do not reflect the entire reality. Networks are like that: noisy, fast and sometimes unfair.

3. How has Podemos managed its digital reputation?

If we talk about the crisis in Podemos, we cannot ignore how they have managed their online image in the most delicate moments. And here there are lights and shadows.

• Hot reactions: Sometimes the party's response to criticism or controversy has been too impulsive. Quick responses, with a defensive or even defiant tone, that can connect with their most loyal followers, but that also give the image of a party that is always on the defensive.
• Poorly coordinated messages: Another problem has been the lack of a coherent discourse. In some cases, different leaders have sent contradictory messages on the same topic, causing confusion. And in politics, a lack of clarity can be more harmful than a specific error.

Conclusion

Many people still think that digital reputation is like that decoration you put at the end, when in reality it is the core. Today, everything happens on the Internet: news, opinions, debates... The image of a party, a brand or a person is built (and destroyed) at the click of a button. In the case of Podemos, part of their crisis cannot be understood without looking at how the conversation about them has changed on social networks and digital media. It is not enough to have a good project if people do not perceive it that way.

In politics, as in life, adapting is key. What worked in 2014 no longer fits the same in 2024. People's concerns have changed, the political landscape is different and social networks have evolved at a dizzying pace. Part of Podemos's crisis comes from not having known how to adjust to this new context. And it's okay to recognize it: adapting doesn't mean giving up your principles, it means knowing how to tell your story in a way that continues to connect with people today, not ten years ago.From 202 Digital Reputation we are a online reputation agency who knows that managing reputation is a constant job, not something that is fixed only when there is a fire. The good news is that, even in the midst of a crisis, there is always room to reconnect, correct course, and regain the public's trust. In the end, it's about telling the story well. Because in politics, as in life, whoever knows how to tell their story has a lot of ground gained.