Alejandro Soler: the PP faced criticism when the Government’s actions lacked a broader state vision
Once the central government solidified its authority, socialist forces began to curb the remaining institutional clout within the state. In Alicante, Alejandro Soler, who serves as deputy and provincial secretary for PSPV-PSOE, started maneuvering to reconfigure the Government Sub-Delegation. This is the province’s key power hub, traditionally controlled by the party aligned with the left. The goal was to place a Soler ally as the new subdelegate, replacing Carlos Sánchez who assumed the post in June after Araceli Poblador joined the Congress lists. Historically, Sánchez has aligned with the more conservative faction within the party, known as the “ximist” group.
There are several socialist sources suggesting that Soler intends to push this plan forward. Those close to Soler and other socialist circles differentiate these steps from the party congress process, where a new general secretary will replace Ximo Puig. The prevailing speculation pins a strong candidate on the rise: the Minister of Science, Innovation and Universities, Diana Morant, with other possibilities including Valencia’s state leader Carlos Fernández Bielsa and Soler himself. Some say this shift has deep roots that began during the summer elections, though insiders caution that any move to appoint the assistant delegate requires a career civil servant to fill the position.
Christmas period
Replacing Carlos Sánchez with a Soler-like figure has yielded some early results, but a quick handover is unlikely. The change is not expected to conclude before the holiday season ends. Supporters close to Soler emphasize that the move is not a signal of contentment with merely controlling the Government Sub-Delegation in return for backing a Morant candidacy. From the outset, those backing Soler highlighted the province of Alicante as pivotal to any renewal strategy and its potential organic consequences. They insist that granting one position over another is not equivalent, and Soler would not concede control over socialist activism in the state for minimal gain. It is not disputed that the Sub-Delegation figure had at least a moment in negotiations within various socialist circles.
In this process, Pilar Bernabé, president of the Valencian Community Government delegation, will have a say and partly determine how the ball is played. The national leadership also shows influence, with Pedro Sánchez recently reappointing the PSPV deputy general secretary to a continuing role. The decision to keep Sánchez in a leadership position during a recent Council of Ministers meeting, as opposed to his counterparts in other autonomous regions, signals the central government’s strategy to maintain a firm stance against the regional Generalitat leadership led by Carlos Mazón. The positive working relationship Bernabé and Sánchez demonstrated during their joint tenure is noted by supporters, who caution that Soler’s ambitions must be weighed against that rapport.
Expectation
Meanwhile, Elche and Bielsa maintain hope that Morant will take the initiative in the renewal process. The provincial leadership in Alicante underscores the value of common sense and caution, suggesting that those entering these processes must be prepared for significant consequences within the party structure. There is broad agreement among factions led by Soler and Bielsa that any impositions from the party center should be resisted as the process unfolds.
Solr and Bielsa’s camps recognize Morant as a consensus figure between the federal leadership and Puig. It remains to be seen whether the former mayor of Gandia will step forward to lead the Valencian federation. The dynamics are likely to sharpen after recent, though not officially announced, visits by Santos Cerdán, the Organizing Secretary, to Alicante and Valencia. Six months now marked by uncertainty in this unfolding story.
Carlos Sánchez opened his term as sub-delegate amid a climate of unpredictability. His appointment surprised many, and some labeled it risky given the PP’s electoral performance. Yet Sánchez pressed on, traveling across the province and earning mixed reviews for his efforts in office.