It is evident that the sanchista group in Alicante aims to have its voice heard and is determined to host primary elections for the provincial capital, where the socialist mayor will be decided. Voices are now rising within the faction most opposed to former senator Ángel Franco. Some argue that internal elections might not be the best path, fearing the process could widen internal rifts within the PSPV-PSOE in the city. This means the sanchismo camp is ready to back a candidate proposed by Ximo Puig. Likewise, there is talk that if Ana Barceló, the former Health Minister and current socialist member of the Valencian Courts, is chosen, she would receive full backing from this faction.
Sanchistas in Alicante gathered recently to discuss the forthcoming mayoral race. After that initial meeting, additional appointments will be made in the days ahead to continue collecting insights and gauging the diverse perspectives within the group. A current within this faction seeks to avoid direct confrontation and resists telling President Puig that his preferred candidate may not be ideal, especially if Barceló ends up winning. Members also feel that holding primaries would be counterproductive, acknowledging that Franco supporters may push their own agenda at the polls.
Sanchismo Sets the Tone in Alicante, Keeping Primaries on the Table
Sanchistas from Alicante held a gathering last weekend focused on the mayoral race. Following this first assembly, more appointments are planned in the near future to keep gathering information and testing the sensitivities within the group. A current within the movement resists direct clashes and does not want to inform President Puig that his candidate might not be ideal, particularly if Barcerló is ultimately elected. The faction also believes that pursuing primaries may be pointless, recognizing that those aligned with Franco could exert their influence.
tutelage
“We exist to empower the group that shapes its own future, not to be supervised from Valencia or Madrid. This does not mean that a consensus can’t guide a candidate,” says Antonio Mira-Perceval Graells, a representative of the sanchismo wing within the socialist circle. What this faction seeks to prevent at all costs is the possibility of Franco revising the list after the mayoral decision is announced. “This has been the party’s pattern for the last 25 years. The problem is that if the chosen candidate fails to win, the next day begins the effort to remove them from office. It took longer with Sanguino, though,” adds Mira-Perceval Graells, who insists there is no bigger fault line among Alicante’s socialist factions than the power held by Franco.
During the sanchista sector’s initial meeting last weekend, delegates discussed the disagreements between those who back primaries and those who favor Puig’s preferred route for candidates. “We value dialogue and make our choices among colleagues. What we don’t want is for one person to decide the game and then have the rest chase after them. If the majority decides primaries should not exist, those who want them will push forward without drama. In a political debate, one must accept that winning and losing are part of the process,” concludes Mira-Perceval Graells.
Sanchistas plan to meet with everyone in the community. A survey conducted by the PSPV prior to the candidate selection process for Alicante’s mayor included figures such as Josefina Bueno, Julián López Milla, Ana Berenguer, and Miguel Millana along with Barceló. The sanchista faction seeks to understand the candidates’ proposals and the interests of citizens, while also reaching out to other potential leaders who might apply to head the candidacy in the next year’s election.