Participation in the Alicante Forum drew a large crowd, with Pablo Iglesias and José Manuel García-Margallo at the center of attention as the IFNROMACIÓN Club filled its capacity. The room filled with a mix of anticipation, curiosity, and a shared desire to hear the two public figures discuss ideas with candor. The tone of the discussion was serious yet cordial, and the audience responded with genuine laughter and sustained applause after the most insightful moments. Iglesias and Margallo, accustomed to the glare of television cameras and the constant hum of radio mics, carried themselves with the ease of seasoned performers who know how to land a point and keep the conversation grounded in real-world concerns. The moment felt less like a formal debate and more like a spirited exchange among longtime observers who care about the future of the country. — Alicante Forum insights
When Iglesias arrived by taxi, the scene became one of the forum’s most vivid memories. Dozens of attendees had waited hours for a glimpse of the Podemos founder, and their patience paid off as the doors opened and applause cascaded through the hall. Margallo’s entrance, occurring a little earlier, allowed him to greet a number of attendees and set a tone of accessibility that many found reassuring. The energy in the room shifted to a shared sense of immediacy, a moment when political leaders stepped out of the behind-the-scenes frame and into the public gaze ready to answer tough questions. — Alicante Forum insights
Among the crowd, Consuelo Malueda and Antonio Ardid stood out, alongside national MP Macarena Montesinos and district MP José Antonio Rovira. Rovira spoke for the People’s Party when he joined Margallo on stage, underscoring the cross-partisan nature of the gathering. The presence of diverse voices underscored the forum’s aim: to create a space where different perspectives could intersect, be challenged, and perhaps find common ground. The dynamic on stage suggested that policy debates could be vigorous without losing sight of shared responsibilities to citizens. — Alicante Forum insights
The Podemos contingent was robust, reflecting the party’s active engagement in regional and national conversations. Lead by Héctor Illueca, the second vice-president of the Generalitat Valenciana and housing minister, and Pilar Lima, a deputy in the purple ranks, their team signaled the party’s readiness to participate and contribute. María Teresa Pérez, the director of Youth in the government, and Xavier López, Alicante City Council spokesperson, were also notable presences. Their participation highlighted the importance of youth advocacy and municipal perspectives in shaping broader policy discussions. — Alicante Forum insights
Rector Amparo Navarro presided over the gathering on behalf of the University of Alicante, guiding the attendance of faculty and students with a steady hand. Catalina Iliescu, Francesc Vañó, and Francisca Milán represented the university in a show of academic seriousness, reminding attendees that universities are vital interlocutors in the policy ecosystem. The cross-section of academia and politics in the hall reflected an ongoing effort to align research, teaching, and public service with real-world outcomes. — Alicante Forum insights
The business community also made a strong showing. Salvador Navarro, the chairman of the CEV, and Esther Guilabert, the secretary-general, were among the most visible figures from industry, illustrating the sector’s interest in the policy conversations underway. Antonio Arias, CEO of Vectalia Group, was noted for his industry leadership, while Luis Consuegra, the provincial director of Mercadona Foreign Relations, and Miguel Quintanilla, CEO of Idex Group, added to the sense that commerce and public policy are intertwined. José Antonio Belso, the director of Suma Gestión Tributaria at the Provincial Council, brought a governance perspective to the proceedings. The presence of these executives underscored the forum’s role as a platform where economic and political themes converge. — Alicante Forum insights
In addition to the high-profile participants, Juan R. Gil, the Managing Director of Contents at INFORMATION, joined the day’s roster along with director Tomas Mayoral and manager Ángel Angulo. Their involvement signaled a commitment to reporting and contextualizing the event so that audiences beyond the venue could engage with the ideas discussed. The collective energy of the forum, spanning political parties, academia, and business, spoke to a shared interest in practical solutions and constructive dialogue. — Alicante Forum insights