The People’s Party aims for an outright majority in the municipal elections set for May 28, facing the risk that Ciudadanos could be sidelined and pushed out of power by the far right. That was the challenge the party presented to its candidate, seeking to reaffirm the mayoralty in Alicante. The appointment dependency on support from figures such as Mariano Rajoy, former head of government, and Carlos Mazón, leader of the PPCV, framed the nomination in the law that appointed him.
Social audience
The supporters drew strength from a live, engaged crowd that filled the room where the event took place. With an expected turnout of 1,100, the venue surpassed capacity by more than a hundred attendees. Following the lines set by Feijóo’s refreshed PP, Barcala presented himself as a candidate open to negotiating with other formations, yet his term in office showed limited openness to opposition voices. Seated in the front row with his wife and two daughters, the popular candidate expressed gratitude for the support received, acknowledged the city’s achievements over the past five years, and also directed multiple criticisms at Ximo Puig Botanic. He vowed to do everything possible to contribute to a campaign victory, operating with independence from external pressures.
Barcala urged those who have lost faith in the PSOE and in populist parties to vote for the PP on May 28. The Mayor’s Office highlighted some components of the program he plans to push for revalidation: lowering taxes and boosting support for businesses that create wealth and jobs, ensuring Alicante continues to move forward. He also referenced the national government and criticized several of its recent actions, including reforms that critics say have led to controversial outcomes such as changes to sentencing policies and other legal adjustments. The discussion framed these issues as central to future governance.
Following remarks from most PP mayors across the province, Barcala sent a message of support to colleagues, especially those in opposition, ahead of the election. The broader political orbit for Alicante was noted, with emphasis on making the city a hub for technology firms and on recognizing the improvements in tourism this city has shown over the years.
Feijóo
As Feijóo did a few weeks earlier in Valencia, Rajoy sent a clear message to Barcala and Mazón: a coalition is not the goal here, rule is the objective. In his characteristic style, he also critiqued parties that he described as short-lived and fleeting, including Ciudadanos, and drew attention to other groups that have made occasional showings on the political stage. He focused much of his remarks on criticizing Sánchez’s national government and its handling of recent issues.
Rajoy offered remarks to Barcala and Mazón in a national context, signaling that victory requires standing independently rather than relying on a broader coalition. While the national figure took the spotlight, he began by addressing the regional candidates and insisted that Barcala possesses the knowledge, experience, and vigor to become mayor and to carry out a defined agenda. He stressed that both candidates lead a serious, longstanding political organization rather than a loose alliance, underscoring decades of history and a professional ethos aimed at governance that endures.
PSPV criticizes Alicante’s PP taking Rajoy after closing transfer
Between Barcala and Rajoy, Mazón arrived fifteen minutes late after an earlier engagement in Torrevieja and was greeted with a standing ovation as he entered. The district president signaled a renewed push for leadership, consistent with the tried and true election speeches that emphasize core policy priorities such as health, education, social housing, and city development. He made clear his ambition to be the first president of the Generalitat, knowing this would elicit strong support from the audience. As always, his remarks included critiques of Puig and the recent decision to purchase the old Post Office building in Alicante to house the new headquarters of the Generalitat, a topic that drew considerable applause from supporters.