The internal tensions within the Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE) have reached a boiling point as the 41st Federal Congress approaches.

The spotlight is on Juan Lobato, the Secretary-General of the PSOE in Madrid, who has openly challenged the party's central leadership.

This comes after Lobato accused the party of "lynching" him and suggested that he was misled by La Moncloa regarding a controversial email.

The situation has disrupted what was expected to be a routine congress to reaffirm Pedro Sánchez's leadership.

Lobato's presence in Seville is seen as contentious, with many party members distancing themselves from him.

Despite losing significant support, Lobato is determined to rally backing from local mayors ahead of the primaries, aiming to surpass his previous election success.

However, key figures like the mayors of Fuenlabrada and Getafe are expected to support a candidate backed by the party's central leadership, potentially Óscar López, a former chief of staff to Sánchez.