Jaume Pascual Honored as Favorite Son in l’Alqueria d’Asnar
Socialist Jaume Pascual, longtime mayor of l’Alqueria d’Asnar, received a Saturday distinction that designates him as the Favorite Son of the Alicante region. The honor, awarded by the City Council in July, acknowledged 43 years of uninterrupted leadership in a municipality of just 500 residents in the Comtat district. The ceremony brought together Carlos Mazón, head of the provincial government, and Ximo Puig, president of the regional government, along with state legislators, ministers, members of parliament, local business leaders, neighboring mayors, and many residents who wished to honor Pascual’s service.
Pascual was elected mayor during Spain’s first democratic municipal elections in 1979 and has since won every subsequent local contest, often by comfortable margins. He is currently the second-longest-serving mayor in Alicante, surpassed only by José Luis Seguí Almudaina, another official from the same district, who has also served for decades. Both men have been celebrated as Favorite Sons by the Provincial Assembly, a reflection of their long-standing influence and the strong personal rapport they share with colleagues. Pascual also received a similar local tribute in his hometown on October 15 of a prior year. The recognition underscores his sustained commitment to his town and its residents over more than four decades.
During the ceremony, Mazón described the distinction as a formal thanks to Pascual for his long career in public service, his devotion to the municipality, and his dedication to neighbors. Julia Parra, the first vice president of the province, served as master of ceremonies, presenting a commemorative video that highlighted Pascual’s political journey, beginning when he was sworn in at age 23 in 1979, becoming Spain’s youngest mayor at the time. The event drew a broad audience from across party lines and the rural world, including provincial deputies and local officials who gathered to recognize Pascual’s influence and leadership.
In remarks at the ceremony, the Speaker of the State Assembly noted Pascual’s earlier service as a provincial deputy from 1995 to 2015, emphasizing how those years reflected his capacity for dialogue and political reconciliation. Mazón praised the mayor as a representative who embodies the politics of the street and the people. He joked that Pascual should be considered “elite as a favorite father,” given his decades of service to his town and the broader province, and he urged others to view him as a model to follow.
Determined Mayors and Local Leadership
Mazón stressed the essential role played by mayors and councilors from small towns, noting that such leaders require continuous support from higher levels of administration. He argued that Pascual’s work brought value to the town, the district, and the entire region, reinforcing his status as a true Favorite Son. Pascual, for his part, expressed that the tribute also supported rural communities that rely on daily recognition and advocacy from public institutions. The ceremony drew more than 300 attendees, including representatives from across the political spectrum who shared in Pascual’s happiness and gratitude while underscoring the importance of local governance and civic collaboration. He also announced that he would not seek re-election in the upcoming municipal elections and planned to step away from political activity afterward.
Pascual extended heartfelt thanks to his wife, children, and family, commending the councils and colleagues who supported him through the years. He spoke of the importance of surrounding oneself with capable teams at the town hall to sustain effective leadership. The vice-president of the City Council, Julia Parra, offered similar compliments, praising Pascual’s devotion to the municipality since the early days of modern city councils. Her remarks highlighted that the gathering of so many people from diverse political backgrounds reflects the high regard in which he is held and the respect he has earned as a public servant.
Notably, the event brought together Carlos Mazón and Ximo Puig in a single moment of shared recognition for the town of 500 residents, in what was described as an atmosphere of sincerity and celebration. The Golden Book of l’Alqueria d’Asnar was signed in honor of Pascual’s memorial contributions, symbolizing the town’s deep appreciation for his decades of service.