In Alicante, the latest round of talks among Podemos, Compromís and Esquerra Unida stalled once again as the municipal elections on May 28 approach. The final negotiations concluded this Wednesday with Compromís, holding third place, signaling that a deal is unlikely since it would require sacrificing its top two positions on the ticket. The search for gender balance and equal representation remains a subtle thread running through the discussions. [Cite: local reporting]
After days of intense talks that were delayed by internal party primaries, the regional dynamics show little sign of a sudden shift. Some regional actors are taking a hard line, trying to redirect the situation from a tense local stalemate to a broader leftward strategy that could influence the balance of power in the Generalitat elections. [Cite: regional briefings]
Compromís now focuses on deals with other leftist forces
Sources close to the talks indicate Podemos was prepared to concede the first position, traditionally reserved for Xavier López, the spokesperson for the purple coalition in Alicante. Esquerra Unida, led by Manolo Copé, also indicated it would not top the list this time. Yet loyal allies, including Iniciativa and Més (the former Blok), judged it unwise to place current councilor Rafa Mas as the lead candidate. [Cite: negotiations notes]
The Valencian coalition reportedly sought the second spot for Sara Llobell to harmonize the two main factional sensibilities and reduce internal tensions. They had already attempted to resolve matters through primaries in Alicante following Natxo Bellido’s resignation. This demand proved to be the breaking point for a possible tripartite arrangement in Alicante, a city with a strong progressive voice that has urged political unity to counter the current mayor, Luis Barcala, in the upcoming elections. [Cite: insider accounts]
Podemos knocks on Compromís’ door: proposes to unite the left in Alicante by 2023
The proposed agreement has become too intricate for the moment. For some participants the talks have effectively stalled with no viable path forward, while others still hope the national leadership will steer the negotiations toward a deal. There is talk of a two-way arrangement reemerging, with Esquerra Unida potentially repeating its role as Podemos’ partner, should Compromís accept a different configuration. The EU remains reluctant to concede the top two positions again if there is a path toward convergence, given the internal tensions that marked similar negotiations four years earlier and the lack of strong council representation in the current tenure. [Cite: party observers]