“President, president, president…” echoed through the Alicante venue, but the chant was not aimed at a single person. In the University of Alicante Auditorium, a week before the official start of the campaign season, the crowd’s energy was palpable. The moment belonged to the local socialists, who used the gathering to energize supporters and rally behind their regional leadership. The focus wasn’t only on Ximo Puig, the PSPV’s candidate seeking a second term as Consell president; the cheers and attention were directed toward the broader leadership team in Valencia and the head of government, Pedro Sánchez, who visited Alicante as a high-profile guest ahead of the ballot. The main campaign event for the PSPV was scheduled to unfold in Valencia on May 20, signaling a coordinated push across the region.
The arrival, about thirty minutes late, found the audience already buzzing while moving through the waiting area near Elche Business Park. The gathering continued to a nearby Elche site where preparations were being finalized, with attendees from the area making their way to Falcon where the socialists laid out the campaign priorities. Supporters pressed forward with smartphones in hand, capturing the moment as the Socialist leadership—Puig and Ana Barceló, along with other regional figures—took the stage. Local figures such as Jesús Villar and other mayors were seen among the attendees, underscoring the broad coalition backing the event.
Puig prioritizes water policy and regional promises ahead of Sánchez
The early spectacle showed the socialists’ enthusiasm for their national allies, but the real effect lay in the concrete proposals discussed once the formal remarks paused. The moment turned personal as supporters exchanged smiles, hugs, and selfies with Sánchez, who arrived to greet Laura Soler with warmth. The first candid photographs reflected a party eager to project unity and momentum. José Díaz, a member of the Cortes roster for the province, led the way in celebrating and posing for photographs, followed by Josefina Bueno who positioned herself among the supporters to show solidarity with Barceló. It was a scene reminiscent of athletes celebrating a victory, with the crowd lifting the candidates’ hands in acknowledgment. Among those on stage, Alejandro Soler from the regional leadership also appeared, signaling a broad, high-profile display of unity.
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In addressing the audience, Sánchez framed the collaboration with Puig as a showcase of national leadership that complemented local governance. He referenced a shared history of policy disagreements while emphasizing a forward-looking agenda. The prime minister spoke of educational reforms and regional investments, presenting them as essential to sustained social progress. The moment was less about a clash of styles and more about presenting a cohesive plan that could unite the regional base with national ambitions, signaling a practical approach to governance across levels.
PSPV consolidates support for Barceló as Alicante’s mayoral candidate
During the remarks, Sánchez spoke with a national perspective that underscored broader ambitions beyond the local scene. He announced new measures aimed at improving education as a cornerstone of the coalition’s agenda. Puig, appearing beside him in a gesture of solidarity, referred to long-standing regional concerns, including issues related to water management and infrastructure funding. The discussion touched on anticipated railway developments and urban renewal projects, as if sketching a vision for enhanced mobility and greener spaces. Barceló, given a prominent platform, did not press for a rapid list of city projects but underscored the importance of sustained investment and community engagement in Alicante.
In a crowded hour just over three weeks before the double election date, the socialists in Alicante marked a decisive moment in their campaign. Yet the organizers anticipated further visits from other campaign figures as May 28 approached. Puig acknowledged the essential role of mobilizing the base and called on supporters to publicize the campaign’s message. He urged the public to recognize the choices facing society and to move forward with confidence, framing the upcoming elections as a moral moment for collective progress.