Citizens’ advisers campaign for Barcala in a tourism-related action in Alicante
They appear to be officially part of Ciudadanos, yet they continue to operate within the Ciudadanos team and receive payment through the representation fee. Meanwhile, they actively work to support the People’s Party. The deputy mayor and chief of staff, along with a trusted core around Mari Carmen Sánchez, are visible in candid photos from campaign events linked to Luis Barcala’s candidacy.
After appearing at an event where PP staff reported to Mari Carmen Sánchez, who holds broad authority over the sector, Barcala pressed forward with plans for the upcoming semester focused on tourism. This continued dedication helped sustain his bid for re-election as mayor.
Miguel Ángel Sánchez, a senior member of the vice mayor’s circle and a long-time confidant, is repeatedly seen at the center of campaign activities. The group known as the “hard core” has begun to dominate campaign imagery, often without apologies for their visibility.
In recent social media posts, an image circulated showing the closest aides to the vice mayor posing near one of the fact sheets created by the PP during the election campaign. The materials bore the candidate’s face, Luis Barcala, as part of brochures and posters associated with the campaign.
Alicante vice mayor leaves future in politics open after relegation by Ciudadanos
Within a widely shared image, the inner circle surrounding the vice mayor—who remains on Ciudadanos’ payroll thanks to the representation quota—stands beside several campaign documents and a couple of posters featuring Luis Barcala. The scene underscores ongoing alignment between the vice mayor’s circle and Barcala’s electoral efforts.
reliable staff
Miguel Ángel Sánchez is not only the longest-standing link to the City Council’s Tourist Office; his influence extended to creating the position of Vice-Presidential Cabinet to acknowledge his work. He recently stepped down from that post, maintaining his public profile in political circles. Other familiar names seen at Partido Popular events include Daniel López (protocol), Pablo Rodríguez (social networks), and Alejandro Parody (former PSOE councilor and current head of Press for the Cs group).
Notes from party gatherings and public photos indicate a cohesive network where advisers and staffers play a central role in shaping the public message around tourism and local governance. This alignment raises questions about the balance between party structure and municipal responsibilities, particularly as candidates vie for leadership roles in Alicante’s future.
Attribution: This overview reflects observed campaign activity and publicly circulated materials from the period surrounding the election cycle, as reported by local political observers and public records. (Attribution: local electoral documents and campaign coverage.)