Barcala outlines new signings for the Alicante list ahead of the 28 May municipal elections
In the run up to the forthcoming municipal elections on 28 May, Alicante mayor and PP candidate Barcala continues shaping the list to go to the polls. After revealing the independent signing of the CEO of CF Intercity and chair of the Lucentum Foundation on Wednesday, Barcala confirmed two more additions on Thursday. Architect Rocío Gómez and journalist Ana Poquet will fill the third and fifth positions on the PP ballot, both joining as independents in the campaign lineup.
Barcala has already signaled that some current councilors will not appear on the final list for 28 May. Julia Llopis, who leads Social Action and Education, will not participate, drawing attention to her leadership in social policy and her influence during the current dual administration. José Ramón González, responsible for Safety, Mobility and Human Resources, confirmed his departure during a City Council Health and Safety Committee session. Llopis and González have been prominent names in the administration, with Llopis formerly a leading figure in Concapa and a former Podemos ally before joining the PP in 2019. Their exits mark a shift after a period of intense debate and policy tension in the social sphere, including pandemic-era disagreements that affected relations with various social groups and prompted adjustments in oversight roles. These changes come as Barcala pivots toward a renewed team to guide the city through transition and growth.
Another wave of changes accompanies the signings. Rocío Gómez, a 30-year-old graduate of the University of Alicante’s Architecture program, is described by Barcala as representing youth, readiness and enthusiasm to help Alicante transform and serve all residents. Ana Poquet, an experienced journalist, will occupy the fifth slot and is known for her long tenure with local media and involvement in social and cultural reporting. The announcements were shared in a video message filmed near the Co-Cathedral of San Nicolás, underscoring the candidacy’s focus on community engagement and practical local governance. Poquet’s inclusion mirrors Gómez’s emphasis on urban development with a human touch, and both are presented as partners in the broader project of city improvement. At the time of their announcement, Barcala highlighted their commitment to inclusive growth and transparent municipal leadership.
Poquet is recognized as a journalist with decades of experience in audiovisual reporting and university credentials from UCAM. Her leadership roles include service on the Alicante State Press Association board for more than ten years and recent tenure as vice president. Her background spans newsrooms and coverage of social and cultural issues in Alicante, making her a visible advocate for local information access and civic participation. Gómez and Poquet join a slate that already features established figures and potential new names under discussion within party circles. The party signals that other prominent candidates may be added as the campaign progresses. Observers note that the final composition will balance experience with fresh perspectives in education, safety, mobility and social policy, aiming to strengthen governance across the city limits. The political landscape surrounding the PP list remains fluid, with speculation about additional signings and potential shifts in the ranking as the campaign unfolds.
As the 28 May elections approach, Barcala is steering communications to emphasize a forward-looking program. The choice of Gómez and Poquet aligns with a broader strategy to mix professional expertise with community ties, reinforcing the party’s message of pragmatic leadership and accountability in municipal affairs. The upcoming weeks are expected to reveal further developments as party members and supporters watch the candidate lineup closely and gauge public response to the new names added to the ballot. Citable context: city governance timelines and party announcements reported by local press and official briefing notes.