Torrevieja has faced a delay in naming its PSOE candidate, with the process set to stretch into the next municipal electoral cycle. The Ferraz-led socialist group in this municipality has decided not to move forward with a first round to select the party’s headline candidate in 2023. Instead, the nomination presentation has been postponed to the second timetable outlined by the PSOE Federal Committee. As a consequence, the initial September 19 deadline will not be met, and the party has scheduled a new date for November 21. This postponement makes Torrevieja the only town in the province with more than 20,000 residents to experience such a delay. PSPV spokespeople emphasize that the decision is being made with an eye toward choosing the strongest possible candidate. When local leader Torrevejense emerged, Andres Navarro disclosed his intention to lead the electoral list and steer the party’s campaign forward.
The national party, under the leadership of Pedro Sánchez, has a schedule that will see ballots held in 110 large municipalities across the country this year. If more than one person enters the race, primary elections are slated for October 16. In the Valencian Community, Torrevieja and Ontinyent are notable exceptions, with the possibility that voting could be pushed back to December if necessary. PSPV sources indicate plans to synchronize the local Torrevieja group’s position with Ferraz before asking for additional time, effectively extending the process over several months. The approach aims to ensure a cohesive and competitive candidacy at the municipal level.
Leaders within the PSPV have spent months underscoring the significance of prioritizing major municipalities in the Community to gain ground on the political right. Alicante, Benidorm, Orihuela, and Torrevieja have emerged as focal points for Valencian socialism. The decision to delay the Torrevieja process is interpreted as a signal that Navarro may not be the obvious choice to challenge the current mayor, Eduardo Dolón of the PP, under the prevailing political climate. This outcome highlights the careful calibration of candidate selection in a regional landscape known for its dynamic electoral calculus.
Andrés Navarro reaffirmed his leadership in the Torrevieja PSOE with active support from 40 militants
Navarro released a public statement endorsing his bid to head the PSOE project for the upcoming legislative term, signaling his intent to become the leading figure on the party’s slate. He thanked the party administration and the Torrevieja socialist militants for their decisive backing, noting that their recognition and support were crucial to advancing the socialist project initiated in the current mandate. The local secretary of the PSOE in Torrevieja framed the move as a continuation of a long-standing effort to consolidate the party’s presence and influence in the municipality.
Navarro’s leadership was reaffirmed in a party assembly in Torrevieja, where a substantial portion of the local section participated. While the overall turnout represented a portion of the registered militants, the event underscored a sustained commitment to organizing and mobilizing supporters across the city. The gathering illustrated how internal party dynamics and community engagement intersect in Torrevieja as the PSOE seeks to position itself for the next round of elections, balancing ambition with pragmatism in the face of competing political forces.