PSPV-PSOE continues advancing through its core process in Alicante, where the lead candidate will be chosen to assemble the slate for the provincial capital elections on May 28. The event unfolds in Barcelona. The deadline to submit candidacies wrapped up at 11:59 p.m. on Friday, leaving a tight 24‑hour window before the 1,000 party members who trust the Socialists cast their ballots on Sunday in Alicante. The vote takes place at the UGT headquarters and runs from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. In the absence of official confirmation, most PSPV executives, around fifty people, and current councilors on the City Council are anticipated to participate in the nominations, alongside other militants who decide to throw their hat in the ring. By Friday afternoon, there were already about 60 applications for a list that contains 29 names.”
Vote
With roughly sixty candidates spread across the executive and the legislature, the pool of names eligible for the vote will be expanded to 29 candidates plus three reserve places, aligning with the number of Alicante City Councilors. Those not included in the vote are the independents Barceló wants to bring into the final tally. The mayor has stated clearly in recent weeks that he will make the ultimate decision, shaping the slate. This stance has sparked discussions within much of the Alicante group, especially among allies of former senator Ángel Franco, who feel he should begin presenting the project rather than proving his command. The question on many minds is how Alicante will be positioned in this process.”
Barceló outlines a renewed roster without breaking with those close to Franco
Barceló emphasizes that he will listen to the party members participating in the current participatory process. He stresses that the slate should be crafted to meet the city’s needs so no opportunity is wasted. He also notes that PSPV is a party with significant internal and external potential. Through this approach, Barceló signals openness to include independents from Alicante’s civil society who are willing to step into politics, whether among party activists or beyond the party lines. Those independents, however, will not stand for parliament and therefore will not participate in the militants’ voting bloc in Alicante.”
Last word
The vote is advisory, and Barceló will have the final say on drafting the slate, in theory in agreement with the executive. The general secretary is also Miguel Millana, the municipal spokesperson and deputy from the Francoist faction. The Alicante proposal will pass through the provincial committee and then reach the national committee, which is scheduled for March 11, followed by the federal body in Ferraz. There, the green light will be given and changes can be made up to the last minute, as happened in 2019 when a current councilor, Manuel Martínez, achieved a starting position at the final breath. A major unknown remains the continuity of the current council members in the forthcoming 28M list. A broad renewal is anticipated, with only about one third of the incumbent councilors staying on. Trini Amorós is seen as the most likely to continue, while others face a tighter contest. The evolving lineup will shape Alicante’s political landscape for the upcoming election period.”
Attribution: (Source: PSPV internal communications regarding candidate selection and city council dynamics)