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The PSOE strengthens its digital strategy with a controversial hire

The PSOE brings Blanca Ibarra to its 'Zona Roja' channel after a scandal over irregular contracts. Is this an effective strategy to attract young voters?

Sofía HerreraSofía Herrera· · Updated: · 2 min read

A new chapter in PSOE communication

In a move that has generated controversy, the PSOE has decided to incorporate Blanca Ibarra, former councillor of Alcalá de Henares, into its YouTube channel, known as Zona Roja. This decision comes after Ibarra's resignation from her position amid an investigation linking her to the awarding of public contracts to her mother. Ibarra's arrival at the channel aims to revitalise interest among young voters, a sector where the party has shown recent weaknesses.

Despite the scandal surrounding Ibarra, who left her position in the council just ten days ago, Ferraz has chosen to give her a new opportunity in the digital realm. The municipal investigation revealed that during her term, as many as eleven advertising contracts were awarded to the councillor's mother. This fact has drawn criticism from various political sectors, especially from the Popular Party (PP), which sees this promotion as a "reward for a lack of ethics."

Zona Roja, launched in September and designed to attract younger voters, resembles the provocative style of the former Canal Red promoted by Pablo Iglesias. Despite featuring prominent figures like Pilar Alegría, the channel still struggles to gain traction, amassing fewer than 600 subscribers so far. With Ibarra on board, the PSOE hopes to bring a fresh and dynamic twist to its communication.

Ibarra is no stranger to the digital world; she has maintained an active and controversial presence on social media. Her direct and combative style has earned her both followers and detractors. In her statements regarding her new role, she claimed she aims to "inspire" those who have stopped voting, thus acknowledging the party's difficulties in connecting with certain segments of the electorate.

The deputy spokesperson for the Popular Municipal Group, Orlena de Miguel, was quick to criticise this PSOE decision. In recent statements, she asserted that this move reflects a political model where "anything goes," suggesting that questionable behaviours are rewarded without accountability. For De Miguel, this promotion is part of a broader strategy under the party's current leadership.

As we approach the upcoming elections, it will be crucial to observe how such decisions impact public perception of the PSOE and whether they truly mobilise young voters or simply intensify criticism regarding the party's lack of transparency.

Sofía Herrera

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Sofía Herrera