The second phase of Alicante’s political upheaval within the PSOE
Francesc Sanguino spoke this Saturday about why he chose to spark a change within the municipal group of the PSOE, a move that sent ripples through the local scene and touched former senator Ángel Franco’s business interests. One of his main targets in this purge was his own number two, Trini Amorós. Amorós seeks to strip away almost all of her privileges, including the deputy spokesperson role and her positions on the District 1 municipal boards, the Main Theatre, Aguas de Alicante, Aguas de Alicante Tourism, and the Tourism Board. In Amorós’s latest critique, she framed a popular issue as a tool of pressure—the tourist tax.
Sanguino argued that the Alicante PSOE, alongside other political actors, has long opposed the tax rate endorsed by the socialist group in Parliament Botanical, aligning with the viewpoints of the Generalitat’s chair Ximo Puig and the chair of the Socialist Party of the Community. Serving as the spokesman for the local leadership, Amorós led the rejection, urging the Consell not to implement the rate and to support the tourism sector instead. It is noted that socialist mayors across the province have signaled they will not apply this tax in their municipalities.
My responsibility has always been to defend Ximo Puig’s policies
Yet Sanguino does not share that reading. On this Saturday he stated that his responsibility has always been and will remain to defend Puig’s policies. He argued against allowing the executive to dictate tourism matters from the center, insisting that if the executive forced the Consell to withdraw the tax, he would have to resist and support the legal route, since the measure would not be appropriate for Alicante. He added that he would seek to withdraw trust from congresswoman Amorós in the tourism board and from the deputy spokesperson role, aiming to become more directly involved.
Valencia or Alicante?
By referring to Puig, still serving as PSOE spokesperson on the Alicante City Council, Sanguino sought backing from the Consell president during a turbulent moment when internal lines of power are shifting. The mayor and key candidates on the party lists reflect a changing landscape. A possible solution discussed in political circles is for Puig to step in and for Sanguino to leave Alicante, a move seen as a second step by the regional administration. The PSOE, in calmer times, looks to 2023 election figures Ana Barceló or Josefina Bueno to head the list again.
Concerns about removing Amorós from Teatro Principal
Attention remains on whether Amorós will be sidelined from the main theatre, a question pending resolution by the party. Sanguino explained why he wants Amorós to leave part of her salary and step away from Alicante’s political life, offering a cautious argument about the theatre where he previously served as a manager before moving into politics. Regarding the Alicante waters board, he suggested a return to the post after a period of delegation to colleagues. All these moves require final approval from the mayor, the popular Luis Barcala, and carry the signatures of all group council members. The situation is tangled, described by insiders as a mess.
I see the party changing advisers and that’s not news
At this stage, Sanguino accuses others of becoming targets in the shifting staff landscape. He notes the departure of three advisers—Javier Prats, Ana Candela, and Pedro Ródenas—yet downplays the layoffs, saying the party regularly changes advisers and that this is not a crisis to be worried about. He provided little detail beyond that observation.
If the council decides to change me, I will accept what the council grants, not cause drama, and become another militant
Looking ahead at his political future, Sanguino stated that there is no need for drama. Whatever the council assigns or removes, he will adapt, remaining loyal to Puig and Botànic because Puig chose him for the post and later backed him in parliament. He acknowledged the risk of a countermeasure from industry leaders and mentioned the possible involvement of a seasoned administrator to manage it. Still, he stresses shielding himself from that threat by foregrounding Puig’s leadership. The stalemate persists, with the clash sure to continue, and Sanguino’s stance remains firm.
Citations: This summary reflects discussions and public statements reported in regional political coverage, with attribution to the involved parties and their supporters. For a full chronology and direct quotes, see the cited sources noted in regional political roundups.