Most polls before the 28M overlap when it comes to pointing out that regional elections are extremely close and that a victory for either the left or the right bloc will be supported by only a handful of votes. As far as municipalities are concerned, the panorama is diverse, with PSPV-PSOE or PP being firmly governed and the continuity of mayors or mayors is practically underestimated, but even so they are key and the two the impact their results will have on the fate of Ximo Puig and Carlos Mazón Because of the big parties conflict on this issue.
But some of the most populous municipalities in the state take on special significance for socialists and popular ones. In all municipalities administered by PSPV-PSOE, in Elche, Orihuela, San Vicente del Raspeig, Calp, La Vila Joiosa or Petrer, PP requests a change of signage. Socialists, on the other hand, think they will get a lot of votes in some of the big, popularly-run cities like Alicante, Torrevieja or Benidorm.
A major area of interest for the 28M is in Elche, a region to which PPCV’s leader Carlos Mazón, recognizing his importance, has dedicated himself to realizing his desire to reach the Palau de la Generalitat. . The people’s national leader, Alberto Núñez Feijóo, recently visited Elche to support Ruz. The city of Elche is run by socialist Carlos González, along with Compromís, and the mayor is trying to chain his third term. PP candidate Pablo Ruz, who will do so for the second time after PSPV added nine in 2019 to the twelve it added in previous elections, will try to prevent it. But the regrouping of the right, with the disappearance of the local parties represented two terms ago, combined with the split on the left, could lead to more than dire consequences.
Meanwhile, Ximo Puig’s presence in Vega Baja has been hugely prominent, especially since 2019 DANA. One of the hottest spots in this region is Orihuela, run by socialist Carolina Gracia after a 2019 no-confidence motion. last year and that meant the departure of the popular Emilio Bascuñana as Mayor. The PP has another candidate, José Vegara, whose prosecution seeks a seven-year prison sentence for three crimes against the Treasury. Despite this problem, he maintains Mazón’s confidence. These two facts, the PSPV’s no-confidence takeover and Vegara’s judicial affairs cause the two parties to see themselves as the favorites to secure a victory in the capital, Vega Baja. It is not known what the K’s, first the PP’s and now the socialists’ partners, will do.
Another area that is hot is l’Alacantí. First of all, San Vicente del Raspeig, where the war between the socialist Jesús Villar and the popular Pachi Pascual, one of the mayors that the PP has acquired from Ciudadanos, will be resolved, this situation is repeated with Franscico in municipalities such as Elda. Sanchez. In fact, getting the C’s votes will be one of the biggest keys in San Vicente; where PSPV got ten for the five the Liberals added, and the PP got four. A liquidation of rights that leaves everything in the air.
Sant Joan d’Alacant also aims to be an important stage without leaving l’Alacantí. Some of its components are similar to those of San Vicente, as PP candidate Santiago Román comes on a round trip from Cs. But everything is not the same. In this case, Román is the current mayor, and the turmoil in the municipality has been massive for months, as the oranges are still forming a government with the PSPV, while liberals and populars have said they will present a single list at 28M. . From the socialist ranks, they point out that Esther Donate is likely to win, based on the information they have gathered in the party.
Another municipality where the C’s vote may go to is very important is La Vila Joiosa. In 2019, PSPV won with eight councilors for the six removed by the PP and four for the liberals. Looking at the two majority parties, both seem convinced of victory in this square. From the socialist ranks, they argue the mayor’s appeal, Andreu Verdú, whose personal brand is above his initials, admits some of his colleagues. Popular ones also count on their bets for 28M, Marcos Zaragoza.
Petrer is another square where both formations are optimistic. PSPV argues it relied on the absolute majority of 2019, as it feels very strong in the Medio Vinalopó region, where it has assets like Elda mayor Rubén Alfaro. As mayor, PP relies on Paco Ponce, a well-known and beloved doctor in the area. It faces the challenge of narrowing the gap of councilors for PSPV, which fell from thirteen to five in 2019.
Calp has also experienced turmoil in recent weeks, adding new conditions to appointments with the polls. Mayor Ana Sala has left the ranks of the PP and is running for election with her new party, Somos Calpe. His decision comes after Mazón turned him down for reelection and put the future of the local group in the hands of former party César Sánchez. This move is seen by socialist ranks as a sign of weakness because they believe the PP has no choice but to take a trip back into the past. For their part, they present Guillermo Sendra as a candidate.
Apart from these municipalities where the elections are more controversial, what goes on in the regional competition will also be key in large populated centers such as Torrevieja or Benidorm, and here the pattern is similar: the popular ones rule by majorities and socialists. rows show that they will close the gap. Of course in the PP the discourse is completely different because they believe that their majority is not in danger. On the contrary, they see themselves as capable of expanding their field, and they see PSPV’s options running low, which they justify in a national key, with the attrition of sanchismo and the provincial bill to pass. regional level.
Socialists are optimistic about Torrevieja, despite the last-minute trouble finding the mayor and making the list. Finally, top of the list is independent Bárbara Soler, who faces the challenge of tackling the popular Eduardo Dolón, one of Mazón’s trusted men in the state. In Benidorm, the PP is feeling strong with Toni Pérez as mayor, who is running for re-election and is looking to increase the number of current councillors. PSPV joins Cristina Escoda, backed by Ximo Puig in her presentation last week, with whom she looks forward to breaking more records.
Beyond these points of interest, the two majority formations agree that for one reason or another there will be other municipalities such as Villena, Crevillent or Altea, whose outcome should be followed very carefully. The truth is, every vote should be debated, given how imminent war is.