The two dominant political forces in Alicante and the Community are trimming their candidate lists for the upcoming municipal elections with careful precision, focusing on six strategic cities. PSPV-PSOE and PP have yet to reveal their frontrunners in several county seats, a move that could prove pivotal for the balance of power in the County Council. After the final results in recent polls, the last election produced a 14-vote tie for county seats, leaving the decision in the hands of Cs. [Source: local election coverage]
Alicante and Benidorm stand out as the main cities where, during the May 20, 2023 election process, the PSPV-PSOE-led slate has not named a top candidate to lead the socialist project. For the Mazón-led lineup, the remaining unknowns are Alcoy, Orihuela, Villena, and Dénia. In the Alcoya area, it was not ruled out that the current spokesperson might reprise the top spot. Other teams are expected to introduce new faces. In both camps, the language used to announce potential leaders resembles a familiar playbook. PSPV-PSOE seeks to settle the matter by September, while PP aims to decide by October 9, ahead of Community Day. [Source: regional campaign briefing]
The provincial capital, governed by Luis Barcala of the PP, is a focal point where socialists aim to press for major gains. It is broadly agreed that Francesc Sanguino, who has left the municipality, will not stand again in 2023. Alternatives were discussed months earlier, but time is tight now. Recent tensions within the municipal group highlight the need for clear leadership that aligns with the upcoming elections. The socialist spokesperson in the Cortes, Ana Barceló, the former Sax mayor, and Josefina Bueno, Minister of Innovation, are vocal voices in the process. In the city with the largest population in the Community governed by the PP, there may be profiles positioned to challenge the right’s leadership. [Source: political briefings]
Choosing a strong candidate for Mayor of Benidorm is another priority for the Socialists. Cristina Escoda, connected to influential families including Leire Pajín’s kin, the Encarna Llinares circle, and former mayor Agustín Navarro, could be a natural option. After securing the post for the Socialist general secretary in Benidorm, Escoda signaled intent to run in primaries. Whether the internal ballot boxes will be opened remains to be seen. PSPV-PSOE’s motto emphasizes unity to minimize internal competition, leaving open the possibility of backing a consensus candidate if needed. [Source: local party updates]
Deputy
Strengthening voter support in Alto Vinalopó, led by Villena, is a key priority for the PP. In past elections, the loss of a state legislator at this border occurred by a narrow margin of twenty votes, a result that PSOE could leverage to gain a foothold in the regional slate. The options for appointing a new mayor remain open. Orihuela stands out as another crucial battleground. The party’s organizational structure has faced turmoil due to a conflict between former mayor Emilio Bascuñana and the organic president Dámaso Aparicio, to the point where Mazón instituted a manager. On top of this, the no-confidence motion that ousted the mayor has left the current leadership under scrutiny, with socialist Carolina Gracia now at the helm. Among potential PP candidates for 2023 are Pepe Vegara, president of the Moors and Christians Association. [Source: party leadership reports]
Uniting the different factions within the PP in Orihuela is a strategy Mazón has pursued, the same approach being planned in Alcoy to bridge former supporters who moved to Cs, like former mayor Jorge Sedano. The aim is to rally the right around a candidate yet to be identified. While Quique Ruiz’s name remains a possibility at the top, party insiders acknowledge that other options are being explored. [Source: campaign strategists]
A shift is also on the table for Dénia. The party holds three council seats, mirroring Compromís, while the PSOE controls twelve, highlighting the push to strengthen the PP’s candidacy and expand influence on the council. [Source: municipal council records]