Sanguino faces mounting challenges as PSPV urges decisive action from the administrator
In the days ahead, the central question centers on whether the municipal group has the leverage to influence the fate of Sanguino and what the spokesperson’s role will become in this unfolding dispute.
This Organic Regulation of the General Assembly (ROP) states that groups will be formed in writing, signed by members who wish to join, and that the spokesperson change must follow the same formal requirements used for appointments. While the language is somewhat cryptic, it may imply that the signatures of all councilors could be necessary; however, observers have argued that Sanguino’s signature would not be essential and that an absolute majority might suffice. A June resolution from the Supreme Court indicates that a simple majority can approve actions if the party deems it necessary, rather than requiring unanimity.
In this context, Millana argued that voting in favor of an annulment would be illogical, predicting that Barcala would push ahead at a pace likely to provoke a backlash. He pointed to articles in which Sanguino previously restricted the powers of Ángel Franco, a move some perceived as undermining colleagues within the same political group.
Socialist councilors Millana and Amorós removed from their councils and assigned to companies at Sanguino’s bidding
Following a resolution on this issue, Millana outlined the roadmap the socialist municipal group would pursue after the change in spokesperson. The local secretary, speaking to the press, confirmed that personal dedication to a role might not fit the new configuration, signaling that Sanguino would see a salary adjustment—from €59,099 to €39,489 annually—as a spokesperson while serving as a lower-profile councilor. A roughly €20,000 reduction would flow into Millana’s own finances, and there is ongoing discussion about aligning this compensation with the duties that come from attending plenary sessions, with the expectation that the spokesperson role would be retained at the county level. The PSOE notes that it is logical for the dedicated role to move to the spokesperson, though legal counsel still needed to weigh the details.
The strategic clash between Barcala and Millana and the broader crisis within the socialist group
Beyond wage discussions, the air remains thick with the possibility that Sanguino will keep his position within the group. Millana has publicly signaled a demand for a clear directive on the spokesperson’s status, noting that the arrangement is currently in a trial period because of concerns about conduct. The PSOE councilor argued that Sanguino has earned the party’s trust and sometimes leverages it to his advantage, suggesting that retirement with dignity could be preferable for him, yet he has chosen a confrontational path that the party sees as escalating. There is an explicit warning that if Sanguino wishes to remain mayor, he must deliver credible performance within the group. If the tension does not subside, the party may consider alternative alignments, including moving Sanguino to an unaffiliated group.
Outlook for the primaries
With the PSOE Federal Committee approaching, Pedro Sánchez indicated that municipalities with populations over 20,000 must finalize their candidates before October 9, with a possible second round if needed starting on October 16. This accelerated timetable increases pressure on Alicante’s leadership, where the regional board head, Josephine Good, and the current Barcelona-aligned faction are negotiating to determine who will lead the municipal lists. The move aims to replace Sanguino at the top of the party’s local lineup while navigating a tense internal landscape.
PSOE expands its footprint with and without Barceló influence
As candidates assemble, the party must publicly announce runs by September to gather the necessary approvals and begin campaigning. In response to questions about the impact of internal strife on PSOE’s fragile standing in Alicante, Millana defended the openness of the process, insisting that primary elections have historically strengthened the party by drawing from its activist base. If he remains within the formation, Paco Sanguino may also appear on some primary ballots, reflecting the ongoing contest for influence inside the group.
Supreme Doctrine
In the latest move, the fourth section of the Supreme Court’s Contested-Administrative Division rejected Jerez City Council’s appeal and upheld the amendment by a majority vote. The spokesperson for the People’s Party municipal group stated that a replacement councilor should generally be made through a majority decision and that unanimity is not a prerequisite. This decision keeps Sanguino squarely in view, allowing him to maintain a front-line position within the socialist municipal group as the internal dynamics continue to unfold.
Legal analysts note that the ruling reinforces the ability of the party to appoint replacements without requiring unanimous consent, a detail that could shape future leadership changes and the distribution of responsibilities across the council. The central takeaway is that the party can move forward with strategic staffing decisions while balancing internal expectations and public accountability.