It unfolds once more in Alicante that the local socialist party remains anchored to its long-standing traditions while facing internal debate. This Sunday, the PSOE members in the capital convened a gathering to shape the lineup that will accompany the mayor in upcoming municipal elections. A total of 66 applications were received, and a cross-shaped selection process marked the ballots with 32 names highlighted as a guideline for voters. The 32-name mark acts as a recommended cap, reflecting the maximum number of party-affiliated or independent candidates a single member can endorse in the campaing’s democratic process.
The applicants were listed in two groups, divided by gender, and arranged alphabetically by first name rather than surname. Curiously, one of the candidates was removed from the cross-marked slate. Balloting began without opening the boxes at ten in the morning and continued until eight in the evening that Sunday, as voters made their choices from the prepared slate.
The full list has circulated among the socialist group, with several familiar faces appearing repeatedly in conversations about who might join the administration in the next legislative period. Names such as Miguel Millana, the general secretary for local governments and the spokesperson for the municipality, have attracted attention along with other recurring figures like Trini Amorós, Lara López, Raúl Ruiz, Lola Vílchez, Llanos Cano, and Manuel Martínez. Some individuals associated with earlier campaigns were noted as unlikely to be part of the forthcoming council, given past debates that influenced the 2019 electoral outcome. Those who were excluded earlier appear unlikely to rejoin the Alicante City Council under the new lineup.
Across the room, the absence of certain names underscores the careful balance required to form a cohesive group. The party’s leadership has to consider the existing local framework and strive to preserve a sense of representative equity within the ranks. This assembly is not merely about listing candidates; it involves crafting a roster that can effectively advance the city’s governance while maintaining the trust of party activists and supporters alike. The process also signals the ongoing dialogue about continuity versus renewal within the Alicante PSPV, with the goal of presenting a credible, energetic team in the run-up to elections.
Barceló has signaled a desire to refresh the slate without severing ties to longstanding allies who have shaped the city’s political course. The first impressions from the proceedings suggest a strategy focused on assembling a diverse set of profiles who can contribute across different areas of municipal responsibility. While the final selection is still pending, expectations point toward assembling a robust group that reflects both loyalty to the party’s traditions and openness to new leadership voices. The appointed team will be revealed in due course, and the broader party faithful remain attentive as the clock ticks toward the decision deadline.
Among the named figures, some are viewed as strong contenders based on their prior experience and visible commitment to the mayor’s agenda. Trini Amorós, who served as a trusted aide during the health ministry leadership and has appeared at numerous events, stands out as a potentially influential candidate. Other councilors with proven track records, such as Llanos Cano and Raúl Ruiz, are anticipated to continue in their roles within the socialist municipal court for another four years, reinforcing continuity with the Millana-era lineup. Even as conversations about the 66-person slate progress, the candidate list remains fluid, with portions of the roster still circulating among party members in a process that emphasizes collective decision-making rather than individual prominence.
The mayor’s aim is to renew the council while maintaining a careful balance—ensuring the local group receives a fair representation, and securing a coherent composition capable of delivering on policy goals. In this effort, the task also involves considering whether a former senator, Ángel Franco, could be included on the final list, reflecting broader strategic considerations within the party. Eva Montesinos remains a prominent figure within the current Alicante PSPV orbit and is also seen as a potential fit for a place on the forthcoming slate. The path ahead involves aligning these ambitions with the party’s broader program and ensuring that whoever joins the list can collaborate effectively with existing leadership and fellow council members.