Air Force General Manuel Mestre leaves the Congress to pursue the Orihuela mayoral race with Vox, signaling a critique of what he calls a stagnant leadership caste and a desire to graft public service onto local life. He notes a loss of trust in Ciudadanos and views the party as capable of steering districts through mayors who have resorted to vote-buying for personal gain. Mestre emphasizes plans to audit city subsidies and taxes, aiming to curb votes-for-favors networks. He vows to lead citizen demonstrations in Vega Baja for water rights and to repeal the Linguistic Immersion Act, insisting that language requirements will never bar anyone from serving in the City Council.
QUESTION: What motivated you to leave the Congress of Deputies and run for Orihuela?
REPLY: Two reasons drive the move. First, there is a sense of frustration with national Parliament where the fragility of institutions, limited accountability, and entrenched leadership habits are evident. The second reason is a personal commitment to serve the people more concretely on the ground, drawing on political experience to effect tangible changes.
“My experience in Congress reveals the fragility of institutions”
Q: Recently, there have been clashes between Vox councilors on the City Council. In addition to accusations about placing a nephew on the 2019 lists, Asunción Aniorte called you “squeaky, misogynistic and a liar” and criticized a faction seeking a municipal share. How do you respond, and could this affect voter confidence?
A: Insults are not a defense; they are denied and ignored. If voters know me and Ms. Aniorte, confidence remains intact. For those who do not know us, impressions can vary, but familiarity matters.
“If voters know me and Miss Aniorte, confidence remains intact”
Q: You often criticize corruption when mayors and councilors are accused or investigated. Why is Vox different?
A: Vox enters politics with clean hands. Except for one deputy, none of the list members have prior political careers. They have solid professional lives and view politics as a public service rather than a means to personal gain.
Q: You criticized nepotism and what you called political patronage by village leaders. Do you trust citizens? Do you agree with the PP and with the PSOE?
A: Ciudadanos should not be trusted based on past performance during its tenure, which disrupted the previous agreements that served Alcántara’s interests. The aim is to gain control of district mayors who engaged in vote-buying. Future accords will be grounded in citizen support and the electorate’s will, pursued in an unmistakable manner.
“Citizens who break agreements with the PP should not be trusted in dealings with the PSOE that protect Alcántara’s interests”
Q: If Vox reaches government, will the Ministry of Equality-LGTBI be dissolved?
A: The plan is to transform it into a broader Family Department responsible for tax measures supporting maternity and work-life balance. The rights of the LGTBI community and all groups in Orihola will be protected as part of this inclusive framework.
Q: You promised to lower taxes. Which taxes would you target?
A: Property tax rates would be adjusted to 0.4% for urban and 0.3% for rustic properties. There would be a 50% discount for families with children, and exemptions for large families. In the first two years of establishment, a 70% discount and exemption would apply to municipal taxes for companies promoting R&D and innovation. Other taxes, such as the Urban Lands Value Tax, Economic Activities Tax, and Construction, Installation and Works Tax, would be reviewed for reform.
“Some subsidies from the City Council appear aimed at vote-seeking and building a client network”
Q: Which unnecessary expenses and subsidies should be eliminated?
A: Every subsidy currently granted by the City Council will be examined one by one, with a focus on rationality and reducing vote-buying dynamics that support a client network.
Q: What are your priorities for heritage?
A: Preserve the historic center by supporting tourism businesses relocating buildings in the old core, promoting conservation and cleanliness. Work with owners to repurpose unused land via a public-private model for social housing for young people. Fund facade rehabilitations at no cost to owners. Reach an agreement with the Church regarding the use of unused real estate.
Q: How will you address water rights and use of language in Vega Baja’s capital?
A: Legislative steps will be pursued within the mandate, including proposals to repeal certain measures. Civic groups supporting ecological flow removal and language-imposition elimination will receive backing. Civic demonstrations in Vega Baja will be led in defense of water rights, with the Linguistic Immersion Law repealed. Language requirements will not determine access to public office in the City Council.