Last Sunday, he won Benidorm’s PSPV-PSOE general seat by a large majority — 88 votes compared to 70 and 49 votes won by his two other rivals, also mayors Dani Luque and Bernardo Mira — and managed to knock down the seat. Until now, the municipal secretary and spokesperson, Rubén Martínez, was at the head of the group twelve years later. He is supported by names that have tradition in local socialism, such as his family. Leire Pajin, Encarna Llinares or the former mayor’s clan Augustine Navarroand Cristina Escoda (1945), who is about to celebrate her twenty years as a member of parliament, says she has not yet reached the ceiling. His next goal: to run in the primaries to run for Mayor in 2023.
After more than 30 years as a militant, first with the Socialist Youth and then with the PSPV-PSOE, what prompted you to choose now secretary general?
Although I had collaborated and had always worked for the party and had served as mayor of several municipalities with Maite Iraola and Rubén Martínez, this was not part of my plans a few years ago, perhaps I would not have thought. I have experience on an organic level and because of life circumstances Rubén (Martínez) could no longer present himself as general secretary, and I thought it was time to take the reins of the party into someone else’s hands. The party needed great support, we lost a lot of militants, although it is true that we have come from the difficult years of the pandemic, we must regain the illusion of many militants who left for different reasons. And I consulted some people who have always trusted and supported me. I believe that we are a necessary party, and although I manage, it is the team that comes with me that matters, not me.
He says he consulted several people. Give me three names.
Conrado Hernández, Leire Pajín and Olga Cascales — Agustín Navarro’s wife — because I’ve always been very close to Agustín, he always believed in me, he always saw me here and he was very proud of what I was doing.
How do you think having three candidates led by three out of ten councilors from the socialist municipal group might affect the normal functioning of your group?
I believe that he will not harm us or separate us, for I am bound by a bond of friendship and love with both; we are working perfectly in the group and this is an organic process and it also speaks to the maturity of the Socialist Party; of the need to be able to face this goal in Benidorm in May 2023; and the human potential that exists and the feeling that we have to make our party bigger. We made the first manager at a place where a work plan was discussed 24 hours after the secretary general was elected, and two of my colleagues were available to us for whatever was needed.
But for now, you have not integrated any of these teams into your own team. are you planning to do it?
In this manager, we decided to create different working groups where all the militants who were nominated by our other colleagues, as well as those who do not work but want to work, can do and cooperate. Apart from that, we must not forget that organic processes work and must be respected. He was the general secretary with a team that was voted on in the assembly, so any changes needed to be made had to be brought back to the militia general assembly. That is, the ruler will be chosen by the majority of the militants, no one else. Of course, as I said before, a complete willingness to add support and work with us.
One of the powers the executive committee may have is to replace the spokesperson for the municipal group. Have you considered the possibility of comforting Rubén Martínez?
This is a topic that is not on the table at the moment and we have not considered it. Currently, the Rubén mayor is the spokesperson, it was the councilors themselves who elected the municipal group in this legislature, decided for him to be the spokesman and I to be the deputy spokesman, and it will continue to do so. It is a matter that does not concern us at the moment.
Is the secretary general the first step to participate in the primary elections?
My time in municipal government is extensive — she has been a councilor since 2003, she confirms, “just like Joserra (González de Zárate) and less than Toni (Pérez)” — I started when women had a role in Socialist Youth. it was not as mediatic as it is now; then I was a member of parliament in the opposition; then I was lucky enough to run Festivals, Women and Equality for six years; and I have always dedicated myself to my people, to the work. Local politics is something I love, I don’t mind dedicating 24 hours to this city as I do since proximity to the citizens is my best thing and my responsibilities. illusion? Whole world. For someone who likes municipal politics, being mayor of the town must be the greatest thing. But we must not forget that there are regulations and organic processes in our party, and it is the militants who have to decide and support those who want to be their candidates.
Is this a yes? Let’s not forget that you were approved just a few days ago.
If I get the support and love of people from here to there and I feel strong at that moment, then yes. It is true that there is a lot of work to be done now, the first process for the mayoral candidate will be after the summer and there is still time. But I’ll probably introduce myself.
It will then be measured against Rubén Martínez, who has publicly declared that he will again bow to this process.
Yes, he has already made it public and he has every right to do so. I respect the decision of Rubén and any colleagues who want to lead this city and have enthusiasm for the socialist project and Benidorm. Rubén is a person who has devoted a lot of time to our city, put in a lot of effort and showed the utmost respect for his decision.
There is also the possibility that new faces who are not affiliated with the party so far will come to be candidates. Although nothing official for now, at least many names are being said on the street. What do you think?
Well, including new faces who can add to this project is something that we have to discuss a lot in the group and I’m open, but we must not forget that anyone who wants to be a candidate is in the hands of anyone. come on, first you will have to go through a primary process stipulated by our party’s charter and get the majority vote of militancy.
Did Ximo Puig call to congratulate you?
Don’t do that.
(…)
No, he didn’t call me personally but sent other ministers, corporate positions, militants, citizens, associations and his congratulations… I have to say I am very loved, supported and very strong to continue. I would also like to point out that I have had many missed calls from unknown numbers and I do not have Ximo Puig’s personal phone number. But PSPV’s Organizing Secretary, José Muñoz, called me at minute zero; That’s why I say I’m very, very supported.
Alexander Soler?
Anyone.
Which goal is marked as priority at this stage?
Without a doubt, take back the Benidorm Mayoralty in 2023 and help keep Ximo Puig on as president of the Generalitat.
Do you see a possible tipping in the City Council?
Yes completely. And although it may seem dizzying when you have the absolute majority in front of you, I see it as possible to win, even to have an absolute majority. We have a lot of work to do with a lot of work from both the game and the group, but from now on, the last period of May 2023 begins and will result in an absolute majority and no doubt this will bring a change for the absolute majority. Benidorm.
Source: Informacion
