Alicante politician eyes Spain’s leadership in a bid for renewal within the Valencia party ecosystem
A resident of Alicante is setting sights on a major leadership role within the Esquerra Unida del País Valencià, the leftist coalition active in the Valencian Community. The figure at the center of this effort has served on the El Campello City Council since 2015 and is Pedro Mario Pardo. He leads an alternative faction within the party, aiming to secure a place on the ballot against the official slate headed by Rosa Pérez Garijo, a former Botànic councilor. The face-off is scheduled to unfold during a multi-week process for renewing party governance, with dates spanning from late February through early March.
In declaring the plan, the candidate emphasized a willingness to unify the party behind a common list but noted that the current frontline leadership shows reluctance to step aside. The proposed changes are framed as a necessary step for the party to reengage voters and expand its footprint across the province of Alicante. Pardo argues that the region has felt overlooked by the party and that a refreshed approach could help widen membership and strengthen local presence in all Alicante districts.
Within the party, militancy will drive the decision on the new organizational direction as the timeline extends to the end of 2021. The coordinator position held by Rosa Pérez Garijo previously earned strong support, and she enters the current phase as a leading contender to continue in the role of general coordinator focused on education. Pardo’s rise introduces an alternative path that appeals to militants seeking strategic and generational renewal, especially in light of recent electoral results that have highlighted the need for broader regional outreach. This moment is viewed as a turning point for reconnecting with voters and rebuilding momentum after a period of electoral outcomes that left some segments of the movement seeking a more expansive, future-facing agenda.