A few hours after senior figures in the party faced removal for criticizing Orihuela’s no-confidence motion, key voices within the Liberal ranks stepped forward. The national leadership, together with Javier Gutiérrez and the state secretaries for Institutional Action and Organization, César Martínez and Chechu Herrero, issued statements defending the decisive move. They argued the action aimed to energize the party in the strategically important Alicante region, where local and regional elections are near, while also addressing concerns about censorship and the potential for joint lists with the People’s Party before the next electoral cycle.
CS Organization Secretary Borja González delivered the notice to Javier Gutiérrez on Wednesday, informing him that he and the two state secretaries would be dismissed. “Alicante holds substantial potential, and these measures were meant to pause, breathe, and build momentum,” González said. He also serves as the spokesperson for the Liberals in the Diputación. González emphasized that the decision was not made on a whim; it followed a listening process that reflected the organization’s current public positions and those who would consent to the action. New appointments were planned for the week after Hogueras.
“Cs’ leadership made a huge mistake that should be held accountable”
People close to the leadership suggest the dispute centers on a convergence with the PP and a disagreement about the electoral timeline. They view cooperation with the Popular Party as the core point of contention and credit the dismissal with sending a strong signal to supporters ahead of the elections. Critics argue that the move was driven by internal tensions within the faction aligned with Gutiérrez, Martínez, and Herrero, with timing echoing the Andalusian elections held that same Sunday, which were framed as a test for joint lists with the PP.
González did not elaborate beyond presenting his view in the wake of Orihuela’s no-confidence motion. He asserted that criticisms targeted both tone and method. The party’s national executive member noted that Alicante faced internal challenges but did not single out one person as solely responsible for the political and organizational actions led by Gutiérrez, Martínez, and Herrero.
Asked whether the decision could be justified given the modest expectations for Cs in the forthcoming Andalusian elections, González argued that the move was not driven by fear or tension within the orange ranks. He stated that the decision had been made days earlier, was carefully considered, and had the backing of party militants.
Citing accountability, the described scenario shows a party navigating a delicate electoral moment, balancing internal dynamics with the broader public agenda. The reshuffle is framed as a strategic step to reset the party’s trajectory and unify its message as local and regional ballots loom.