Madrid Government Delegate Francisco Martín Resigns After Exclusion from Election Lists

Francisco Martín has resigned as the Government Delegate in Madrid after the PSOE excluded him from its candidate lists for the November 29 general elections. Sources close to the official told El Mundo that the resignation follows the Puerta del Sol encampment, police criticism, and the list decision.

Martín has neither confirmed nor denied his departure. In a conversation with El Mundo, he denied that his resignation stemmed from disputes with the police, differences with the subdelegate, or a party veto, stating the opposite and claiming pride in the management being carried out and his loyalty to Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez.

Martín had served as a senior figure close to Sánchez. He chaired the Bancal de Rosas association, which raised funds for Sánchez's campaign to recover the PSOE Secretary General position. He joined the government structure in March 2023 after nearly five years in the Presidency structure.

His resignation carries legal consequences. Without a parliamentary seat, he will lose parliamentary immunity. Vox has announced its intention to file a lawsuit against him for allowing the Sol encampment, while the PP is studying its own legal actions.

The Government Delegate represents the executive in the community, directs the state administration in Madrid, and coordinates state security forces. The position is appointed by the Council of Ministers.

Martín was known for his constant political confrontation with Madrid President Isabel Díaz Ayuso. He generated major controversy in 2023 after stating that Bildu had done more for Spain than all flag-waving patriots combined.

The resignation comes just five weeks before the November 29 elections, ending, at least for now, the trajectory of a leader who made confrontation with the regional president one of his main identifying traits.