Maria Dolores Berenguer Bello chose not to run for re-election as mayor of Monforte del Cid in 2023, signaling a pivotal transition for the town.
Ahead of municipal elections scheduled for May, a flurry of activity unfolds within the political landscape. Parties are finalizing candidates and projects while relying on surveys, all just seven months from the vote.
In Monforte del Cid, the current mayor from the United Left has announced she will not top the electoral list again. The decision is described as thoughtful and the result of long consideration, according to followers and local commentators.
It is worth noting that in the Alicante province, the United Left has limited representation, with Antonio Puerto in Aspe and Maria Dolores Berenguer serving as mayor in Monforte del Cid.
The first term began when the council presidency was assumed in 2015 through a triple agreement with PSOE and Citizens, and the administration cemented in 2019 with a simple majority, holding nine of thirteen seats.
Maria Dolores Berenguer reiterates her position as mayor of Monforte del Cid with AB
She describes the role as demanding yet rewarding, noting that strong trust from employees carries a heavy responsibility.
The principal motivation for stepping back centers on dedicating more time to family, including her six-year-old daughter Alma, while also pursuing personal academic and professional goals.
Cyberbullying
On the other hand, Berenguer highlights the challenge of enduring cyberbullying directed at herself and her family due to alleged irregularities in the City Council during 2003 to 2015, a period when the PP held power and Antonia Cervera served as mayor.
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Berenguer has consistently argued that public service should not be a lifelong occupation for any politician and has supported term limits of two or three legislatures.
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The focus is on forming multidisciplinary and youthful teams capable of interpreting the evolving realities of modern societies. In recent years, Berenguer emphasized the importance of building a team that blends experience with renewed energy to guide Monforte toward progress.
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Historical Victory
Among the most memorable achievements is a substantial reduction in municipal debt. Berenguer recalls the successful defense against the development of the Walaig industrial estate, where the city avoided a potential payout and achieved favorable outcomes in ongoing litigation estimated at thirty million euros in potential claims.
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Berenguer frames herself as an honest person who prioritizes stabilizing the local economy during very difficult times. She also recalls the hardest moments during the covid-19 pandemic, when uncertainty was high, many fell ill, and the community leaned on leadership to navigate the crisis as best as possible.
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She did not frame IU’s role as a perpetual advantage for Monforte. Instead, she described a forthcoming coalition process where lists would be elected democratically in an assembly, with leadership determined by the group with the most votes among its militants and supporters.
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The outgoing mayor, still seven months from leaving office, plans to retire from active politics while continuing to engage with the United Left as part of its broader political work since joining the party in 2007.