Alicante’s People’s Party already holds a pick list. The leadership moved quickly, promoting a party member to the state committee as soon as the news broke that Manuel Jiménez would relinquish his seat and step back from the candidacy after disclosing that several small contracts had been awarded to people in his orbit. In a move that reinforces continuity, Manuel Villar, the deputy spokesperson for the popular municipal group and Barcala’s right-hand ally, will take second place on the list. This choice comes as part of a broader strategy that highlights independent signatures gathered in recent weeks.
In fact, three of these independent signatures are poised to occupy positions three through six. Specifically, architect Rocío Gómez, chief executive of Intercity and president of the Lucentun Foundation; Toni Gallego; and journalist Ana Poquet are slated for those spots. A notable shift appears in the sixth position with the appointment of local police commissioner Julio Calero, followed by three other councilors from across Spain who remain active in Alicante politics, including Mari Carmen, Antonio Peral, and Lidia Gómez.
Manuel Jiménez’s resignation has opened a door for two party counselors, Cristina García and Cristina Cutanda, whose candidacies were announced this Tuesday as occupying a placed on the list. Also highlighted is another consultant, Nayma Beldjilali, who sits at the 12th position; she shares ties with the former mayor and is connected to the Dama del Foc and the Florida Portazgo bonfire community. Another signature, Carlos de Juan, a resident of Urbanova, appears in the 13th spot, while Marina Niceto, known locally as Bellea del Foc, sits in the 19th position.
“This is a candidacy that blends municipal experience with the active participation of civil society professionals,” Barcala commented, emphasizing a shared commitment to developing Alicante at every level. He underscored the ambition to sustain momentum for the city and to rally behind a list built on common values from the first name on the sheet to the last. The focus, he noted, is not just on governance, but on a collaborative, inclusive approach that leverages diverse backgrounds to strengthen the local political project.
The re-election campaign emphasized that the list targets younger voters, with three women under 30 from Nuevas Generaciones included among the top 15 positions. The slate features graduates in Architecture, Psychology, and Criminology, and it also foregrounds neighborhood connections and qualified professionals who represent the Alicante community. The party frame concludes that its nomination stands as the best course for Alicante to continue advancing in economic, urban, and social dimensions, arguing that the city cannot afford any pause in its trajectory of growth and improvement.
Analysts note that the inclusion of independent signatures signals a broader strategy to broaden appeal beyond traditional party lines while maintaining a strong municipal governance focus. The plan appears designed to project stability in leadership while inviting fresh perspectives from professionals with track records in design, journalism, law enforcement, and urban development. Observers say this blend could help the party address contemporary urban challenges—housing, mobility, public services, and cultural vitality—without sacrificing the core priorities that have shaped Alicante’s recent administrative efforts. The coalition signals a willingness to embrace civic engagement as a fundamental element of the campaign, potentially strengthening voter confidence in the party’s ability to translate ideas into practical outcomes. [Cita: Local political analysis and party statements interpreted for context.]