Irene Montero presents her book and sparks the debate about the left in Spain.

Irene Montero, former Minister of Equality and currently a Member of the European Parliament, has recently presented her book titled "Something We Must Have Done," which has become a starting point for a new debate about her political legacy and the state of the left in Spain. Through her memoirs, Montero positions herself as a victim of the PSOE (Spanish Socialist Workers' Party) and what she refers to as a "reactionary judicial offensive." However, her narrative has generated controversy and in-depth analysis regarding her true relevance in current politics. The book has faced criticism, particularly for the way her account is articulated. While Anson, a well-known journalist, argues that Montero demonstrates intellectual quality and firmness of ideas in her pages, many readers have found that the work is more an exercise in justification than a critical analysis of her management. Throughout her memoirs, Montero claims that her political career has been built without the aid of recommendations, raising questions about the authenticity of that claim. As her narrative unfolds, Montero does not hold back in her criticisms of her former colleagues in the PSOE, suggesting that they have betrayed the ideals of the left and have been complicit in an offensive that, according to her, seeks to dismantle the progress achieved by Podemos. In this sense, her prose becomes confrontational, which may be disconcerting for those who expected a more introspective reflection on the policies of her government. One of the most striking points in her discourse is the insistence that without Pablo Iglesias, the former leader of Podemos, one cannot understand the contemporary political landscape in Spain. For Montero, Iglesias' downfall is not merely a political failure but an organized attack from power structures that seek to delegitimize progressive voices. This approach, however, may give the impression of evading the collective responsibility that the governing coalition shares in the current situation of the country. After seven years of a progressive coalition government, the reality in Spain presents a significant contrast to the promises of change. Critical issues such as housing accessibility, the increase in evictions, and the rise in inequality persist and, in some cases, have intensified. In her book, Montero seems to ignore these problems, opting for a hopeful message that resonates with the slogan "Yes, we can," despite evidence suggesting otherwise. What is most surprising is the lack of self-criticism in her narrative. Instead of addressing the disappointments and criticisms that have arisen during her management, Montero prefers to focus on the supposed betrayals of her colleagues and a narrative of victimization that, for many, merely trivializes the real difficulties faced by the progressive coalition. The absence of a deep analysis of failures and successes thus becomes a weak point in her work. On the other hand, Montero's approach towards the media is equally revealing. She refers to figures in journalism such as Antonio García Ferreras and Ana Rosa Quintana in derogatory terms, suggesting that they have contributed to a hostile climate towards Podemos. This perception of a "dirty judicial and media war" seems to be an attempt to divert attention from the criticisms her party has faced, which could be understood as a reluctance to accept the complexity of the Spanish media landscape. However, her account of experiences has resonated with some sectors of the left who see in her struggle a vigorous representation of feminist ideals and democratic rights. The emotional connection Montero establishes with her audience translates into a call for resistance against what she perceives as an attack on social achievements, although this call is not without contradictions. Ultimately, "Something We Must Have Done" presents itself as a testimony to the complex political reality of Spain. Montero's work reflects not only her personal experiences but also the tensions within the progressive coalition and the challenge of maintaining unity in the face of both internal and external pressures. The future of the left in Spain will depend on its ability to confront these challenges with genuine self-criticism and a renewed commitment to the issues affecting citizens. Meanwhile, the figure of Irene Montero, wrapped in a mix of admiration and controversy, continues to be a focal point in the Spanish political debate, and her book is just one piece in the puzzle of an ever-evolving landscape. The lingering question is whether this narrative will contribute to the revitalization of the left or, conversely, become a reminder of missed opportunities in a context of growing social disillusionment.