The implosion of Ciudadanos has left its Andalusian project fractured, with the party’s orange banner effectively erased from the Andalusian Parliament. The fallout goes beyond a single resignation, touching how mayors, MPs, and party representatives across Alicante perceive the party’s national leadership and the direction it should take. A sizable group of Cs members gathered on Sunday to monitor the Andalusian electoral aftermath and pressed for an extraordinary congress to chart a new course after the fiasco.
Across Alicante, the twilight of the orange movement is palpable. Last week’s purge by the national leadership in Orihuela removed critics through a motion of censure, shuffling out figures like state coordinator Javier Gutiérrez and state secretaries César Martinez and Chechu Herrero, whose emphasis on institutional action and organizational reform signaled an internal push. Officials within Cs in Alicante see the party at a crossroads after weak results, arguing that a period of honest reflection is essential. They insist a pause for introspection is necessary to ride out the current electoral cycle and return with stronger guarantees ahead of the next vote in 2023.
When pressed about the crisis’s next steps, Julia Parra, vice-president of the Alicante Provincial Council, advocated for an inclusive process that encourages thinking, dialogue, and listening among party members. She was clear that resignations are not a stated remedy and emphasized the need for voices to be heard in order to manage a crisis of this magnitude. Parra underscored that the moment calls for deliberation, not hurried changes, and she avoided making any definitive statements about resignations at this juncture.
Ruth Merino, who serves as a Cs trustee in the Valencian Parliament, weighed in on Sunday’s results, describing the shift back toward a bipartisan political dynamic as detrimental. Merino characterized the outcomes in Andalusia as very disappointing, acknowledging that the party failed to persuade voters in the region. Her remarks reflect a broader concern within the Alicante contingent that the party must articulate a clearer platform and a more persuasive message if it hopes to remain a meaningful actor in regional and national politics. The conversations among Alicante’s Cs ranks reveal a shared sense of urgency: repair, reaffirmation, and a return to a strategy that resonates with voters beyond the party’s traditional base, especially in the face of a changing political landscape across Spain.
The situation highlights the tension between maintaining a coherent, values-driven stance and adapting quickly to electoral realities. Skeptics within the Alicante circle warn against merely rebranding or delaying tough decisions, arguing that substantive reforms are essential to restore credibility. Proponents, meanwhile, contend that structured dialogue and transparent accountability can rebuild trust and prevent further fragmentation. Across the region, Cs members are calling for a measured approach that balances accountability with the opportunity to reassemble a program that speaks to citizens’ daily concerns—from local governance and public services to regional development and democratic renewal. The debate is not simply about leadership at the top; it is about how a regional chapter can contribute to a more coherent national strategy that voters can understand and support. In this climate, the push for an extraordinary congress serves as a litmus test for the party’s willingness to confront its weaknesses head-on and to chart a practical path forward that can gain traction in future elections, including those in 2023.
Analysts watching the Alicante scene note that the party’s ability to recover will depend on clear communication, tangible policy proposals, and a credible mechanism for internal reform. The question remains whether Ciudadanos can reassemble a coalition-friendly, forward-looking agenda that addresses the concerns of voters who often drift between support for centrist and pragmatic options. Observers also point out that the outcome in Andalusia could influence national dynamics, potentially prompting other regional factions to reassess their alignment, leadership, and long-term viability. For Alicante’s Cs, the immediate task is to translate the introspective discussions into concrete steps that reassure supporters and persuade skeptics that there is a viable roadmap beyond the current entanglements. As the party seeks to redefine its identity, the central challenge will be to demonstrate accountability, continuity, and a renewed commitment to public service, even as it navigates the complex currents shaping contemporary Spanish politics. (attribution: regional political analysis report).