Robust bipartisanship in Alicante: Vox ‘infiltrates’ less than twenty tables
In the opening period, during 2023-27, many of the city’s political balances stay steady. The governing coalition has absorbed the party that previously supported it, and this continuity may enable bolder moves with public backing. The plan includes potential low emission zones marketed to Europe for funding, and the idea of a green ring to make Alicante more livable. Such steps could accelerate the city’s transformation, balancing urgent projects with the need to address concerns from neighbors, hoteliers, and traders. The aim is to reduce fear of immediate criticism while advancing initiatives that reshape the urban image, extending beyond simple pavement widening. Yet changes are not guaranteed. Voters may withhold support after a full term, and Barcala’s trajectory could hinge on whether he remains a unifying figure for modernization or faces new obstacles ahead.
With a reputation for pragmatic, sometimes quiet leadership, the mayor faces choices about how to guide Alicante toward contemporary governance and prepare the city for rising challenges. The outcome depends on the degree of citizen backing and the ability to navigate alliances that can sustain momentum beyond a term.
PP paints Alicante’s map blue: grabs Northern Territory from PSOE
Barcala could return to power with a minority, at least in his first year and then for the following term, while relying on a composed opposition to unblock major government projects during General Assembly sessions. Budgets, urban planning, and regulatory updates often depend on cross-party agreements and the support of a diverse council.
During this period, Barcala’s stance may soften as political realities shift. Public sentiment hints at a renewed willingness to partner with different groups, including those outside the traditional lines. In 2018, Barcala demonstrated a capacity to engage broadly, convocating the City’s Social Council and negotiating budgets across factions. His record suggested that outcomes could align with will rather than rigid ideology, though challenges from the left in the council could reemerge. The history of these negotiations shows that decisive action often follows a clear sense of purpose and a readiness to adapt to new political dynamics.
Election turnout in Alicante varies by neighborhood
Governing a city is not solely the responsibility of the national government or regional authorities. A large portion of urban projects is shared and requires local consensus. In this campaign, there was broad agreement on expanding nurseries, social centers, and housing. Cleanliness improvements and the completion of long-protracted projects, such as upgrading the San Juan Beach Police Station and expanding sports and cultural facilities, were highlighted. Plans also included reviewing the urban structure, education infrastructure, and redevelopment of key sites like Benalúa Sur flour mill into a municipal asset.
Citizens supported Barcala but did not grant a blank check. He now faces the task of stewarding the mandate with fourteen council seats under his leadership, maintaining a similar numerical balance to the two-party era. A notable difference will be the absence of a single-line command in the Urban Planning Department, requiring closer attention to how the city grows and evolves.
Mari Carmen Sánchez is endearing and does not rule out a position at Alicante PP
The 28M election left a new configuration in Alicante with five political groups represented in the municipal landscape. The Citizens party, while not securing a majority, did not vanish from the scene. Its vote share did not translate into enough council seats to change the balance, underscoring how fragmented local politics can be. If Ciudadanos voters had shifted their ballots, the absolute majority Barcala long sought could remain elusive. Nevertheless, the city’s leadership now sits with thirteen allies and questions about whether Barcala will continue to rely on a calculator-like approach to governance or pursue a more expansive, multi-party collaboration. The future remains uncertain, with the possibility of new alignments shaping the city’s path.