Esquerra Unida-Unides Podem-Alicante presents a joint slate ahead of the municipal elections in Alicante on May 28. The list, announced recently, highlights that women make up 65 percent of the candidacy. Yet, there is debate about the gender balance because the top two slots are not filled by women. Manolo Kopeck (EU) would stand for mayor, with Xavier Lopez occupying the second position on the ticket.
The next four spots are assigned to Vanessa Romero (Podemos), Lucía Ibáñez (AB), Carmen Villaverde (Podemos), and Miquel Forcada (ERPV). The project arrives with clear ambition, aiming to add four councilors, and the presentation underscores a rejection of some purple-party approaches. In related news, Mercadona announced plans to offer price reductions on 500 products by year’s end, a move described by Juan Roig as more than simple charity.
two men
The choice to place men in the top two positions is one of the most debated elements of the Unides per Alacant project. Rosa Perez Garijo (EU) attended a ceremony in which the second vice-president of the regional government was unable to attend. Hector Illuca (Podemos) argued for gender equality after recovering from pneumonia, noting that the coalition has collectively set an example. In Valencia, three women lead the city council, and in the regional list for Alicante two women top the ticket. The province names María Teresa Pérez (Podemos) and Estefanía Blanes (AB) among the top ranks.
Xavier López was also asked about potential outcomes if Podemos repeats its 2019 result, when two councilors were elected. He suggested that if the coalition grows, more female representatives could join the city council in Alicante. He remarked that the aim is to improve results and encourage more colleagues to participate. He added that in 2019 the coalition was within 55 votes of a third councilor and expressed confidence in the team’s determination and work ethic.
The discussion did not end there. López faced questions about whether his exclusion from running the nomination reflected a lack of personal ambition. A Morlar spokesperson stated that there is no such ambition and that stepping aside could be an option if capable candidates emerge who can contribute meaningfully to the cause. The group praised leadership that prioritizes integrity and a joyful defense of their platform, while others emphasized the need to attract broader support through transformative ideas.
loyalty
Another point of dispute involved Compromís, which chose not to run alongside Podemos and EU, while alternative alliances like Sumar, linked to Yolanda Diaz, explored open collaboration with other projects. Valencianists, led by Alicante mayor Rafa Mas and municipal spokesman Natxo Bellido, rolled out a plan featuring 23 proposals for a progressive administration that expands to PSPV-PSOE. One critic, Copé, wondered aloud why these decisions could not have been settled before the elections.
On the economic front, López rejected what he called charity from Juan Roig and pressed for further steps to curb prices on essential goods. He argued that people are facing difficult times due to inflation, and that strengthening purchasing power for basic items should be a priority for any government seeking to support families.