Alicante’s regional candidate for Unides Podem, Alejandro Aguilar, was born in Xàbia in 1993, a generation shaped by a housing crisis that left a lasting stain on many lives. His father’s construction business collapsed after the real estate bubble burst, a turning point he remembers as a moment when the world’s expectations for his family dissolved overnight. He notes, with a clear sense of the upheaval that followed, that the family’s trajectory shifted dramatically in a short span of time.
From an early age, Aguilar understood that steady, well‑paid work could be out of reach. To fund his studies, he turned to the hospitality sector, taking on roles that highlighted the precarious conditions many students face. He has spoken about how those experiences informed his view of public life: institutions, in his view, sometimes appear to operate in ways that complicate people’s lives rather than improve them.
Over time, that sense of unfairness sparked a resolve to act. Aguilar’s path into politics was influenced by a combination of personal experience and broader policy shifts. While pursuing Political Science and Public Administration at the University of Valencia, he encountered cuts to education that he links to broader political decisions. These experiences contributed to his decision to engage with Podemos in 2014, a turn he describes as recognizing that political power could be a conduit for the changes he and his peers sought.
He began his political work at the grassroots level, gaining experience and building networks within the party. In 2019, Rubén Martínez Dalmau, then a leading figure and professor at the university, encouraged Aguilar to participate in internal primaries, a step that helped him secure a role in the party’s campaign operations. His involvement grew as he took on responsibilities in the administration surrounding housing policy and urban development within the Podemos framework. Following the appointment of Héctor Illueca, Aguilar advanced to the position of regional secretary, a post he held until deciding to run as the lead candidate for Alicante, a move that reflected his commitment to regional reform and social housing initiatives.
Beyond politics, Aguilar describes himself as someone who values culture and community. He is a football enthusiast, a detail he shares with warmth, and he often reflects on his Valencian roots. He notes that his upbringing included a strong family tradition of cooking, tracing back to his grandfather’s restaurant in Calp. He describes his cuisine as deeply Mediterranean—rice dishes and stews that embody the flavors of the region. This personal background, he says, helps ground his public persona in everyday life and shared experiences.
As a candidate, Aguilar emphasizes a practical vision for renewal in the Botànic government, aiming to advance policies that address housing, social welfare, and local economic resilience. His narrative weaves together personal history, a commitment to education, and a belief in the transformative potential of political participation. In interviews and public statements, he often reflects on the need for accountable governance that supports ordinary people, particularly in sectors most affected by economic volatility. His campaign positions him as someone who believes communities thrive when housing is accessible, education is adequately funded, and local industries are supported through targeted policies. Aguilar’s approach centers on translating lived experience into policy proposals that can strengthen social safety nets and promote sustainable urban development.
In the broader political landscape, Aguilar presents a portrait of a young leader who grew from direct exposure to economic shocks into a dedicated advocate for structural reform. His trajectory—from a student facing budget constraints to a regional official planning for Alicante’s future—illustrates a continuity of purpose: to translate personal hardship into concrete, measurable improvements for society. Whether discussing housing, education, or local governance, his emphasis remains on practical solutions that empower residents and create opportunities across generations. His candidacy thus reflects a broader movement within the region that seeks progressive change through inclusive policy design and transparent administration.