In Alicante, the PSPV-PSOE faction aligned with the Sanchista line is signaling its intent to influence the upcoming primary process, marking the district and leaving the door open for a decisive vote on who will stand as the party’s mayoral candidate ahead of the next municipal elections. The faction that has traditionally opposed the current administration, led by former senator Ángel Franco, gathered to emphasize that party members must actively participate in choosing the best representative to pursue the shared objective. The city council is presently controlled by the Popular Party, under Luis Barcala, making the selection of a candidate who can effectively project the party’s refreshed image a priority for Alicante socialists.
To reach this objective, a commission was formed to navigate the different strands within the party, identify common ground, and create a clear path forward. Accordingly, interviews are planned with various voices who command influence and can share their perspectives. The commission will undertake this work in the coming days and then reconvene at the end of next week to reach a final decision. For now, primaries remain on the table and are not ruled out.
During these discussions, which aim to reflect the sensitivities of the Fist and Rose faction, interviews will be conducted with individuals who took part in the survey prepared by PSPV for the nomination process. The mayor of Alicante emerges in discussions as a socialist figure who participates in the Valencian Parliament, while influential voices in the Valencian Government and regional ministries may shape the lineup. Potential candidates highlighted include those who are currently seen as leading contenders, alongside others who may not yet be in the spotlight, such as the head of the Port Authority or the director of public analysis and policy in the Generalitat. Miguel Millana, the party’s general secretary for Alicante and appointed municipal spokesperson in July, is also noted among the figures involved in the process, though not all names carry equal weight at this stage.
Sanguino’s dismissal and Millana’s replacement deepen the PSPV-PSOE rift.
The Sanchista faction is keen to learn every candidate’s proposals and the interests of residents, while also reaching out to other potential applicants who could lead. They insist on having a voice in the decision and weighing inputs accordingly. Yet, as seen during the election period, tensions within the party continue to surface. A July meeting aimed at reshaping the city council leadership—removing Francesc Sanguino as city spokesman and granting Millana a new role—fueled unrest. At Pintor Gisbert’s headquarters, delegates from the Sanchista camp paused the vote to question the process and accuse former senator Ángel Franco of triggering the party’s internal crisis. An on-site confrontation unfolded outside the building between representatives of the Sanchistas and Millana’s supporters, highlighting the ongoing friction.
Looking ahead to the election calendar, it is important to note that the roadmap set by the federal party committee establishes January 28 as the deadline for finalizing candidate lists. The plan envisions holding ballots for municipalities with populations exceeding 20,000 on October 9, a date tied to the Valencian Community Day. Given this overlap, PSPV leadership, including Ximo Puig, is advised to schedule the ballot timing strategically around the public holiday. If the schedule holds, the official selection of Alicante’s mayoral candidate is expected within about a month, marking a critical milestone in the party’s local campaign strategy. (Attribution: PSPV-PSOE internal communications and recent council meetings)