The evolving talks between the PP and Ciudadanos in Sant Joan d’Alacant signal a wider shift across Valencia’s municipalities
In Sant Joan d’Alacant, informal yet persistent discussions between the Partido Popular (PP) and Ciudadanos have sparked attention about the next municipal elections. The cross-party dialogue appears to influence at least four municipalities in the province of Alicante, with more likely to follow. Observers describe the exchanges as a chance for Ciudadanos to defend its presence in local institutions while the PP seeks to consolidate influence through joint or aligned slates. These developments are unfolding amid a broader plan that party insiders say includes other cities, hinting at a coordinated strategy across the region. [Citation: local political briefing]
What began as a phase of exploratory contacts now reads as a larger operation, potentially reshaping how candidates are assembled for the coming elections. The parties are said to be examining options that combine representatives from both groups, a move that could redefine local governance in several municipalities within Alicante. [Citation: regional coverage]
One of the towns where talks have touched ground is Xixona, which currently operates under a mayoral framework with a coalition that includes Ciudadanos. The local administration features socialist leadership backed by the Ciudadanos municipal group, led by a spokesman from the Liberal party at the provincial council level. This configuration has raised questions about agreement dynamics and pact policy with other political actors, especially given broader debates about coalition strategies in neighboring towns. A recent internal matter, involving a leadership dispute and a temporary suspension, concluded without sanctions, restoring rights to the affected member. [Citation: city council records]
Mutxamel presents a different picture, where the municipality is steered by a Popular Party mayor, Sebastián Cañadas, with Ciudadanos providing essential support. In this case, analysts see a relatively straightforward convergence for the municipal elections, signaling a smoother collaboration between the two parties. [Citation: local election analysis]
Cocentaina shows a more delicate balance. Here, leaders from the PP and Ciudadanos discuss how a joint candidacy might alter the municipal majority. The current administration has relied on a socialist-led coalition, with Mireia Estepa overseeing the city council and Rubén Muñoz positioned to top the shared list, should an alliance form. The potential shift hints at significant changes in the local government dynamic. [Citation: council minutes]
Muro presents another layer of complexity. The mayor, Gabriel Tomás, sits among non-affiliated council members who have benefited from the tacit support of both PP and Ciudadanos. The evolving talks in this locale reflect broader questions about party alignment and leadership continuity as the elections approach. [Citation: party briefing]
Speeches
These municipalities illustrate the focus of discussions, though insiders warn that negotiations could extend further. Party spokespeople in the Valencian Community, including the regional leadership under Carlos Mazón, emphasize the aim of bringing together individuals who share a common political approach. The goal, according to these sources, is to foster a larger, unified space that can contend more effectively in national and regional contexts. [Citation: regional political commentary]
Crisis between Cs and PSOE in Sant Joan strains the governments of six other municipalities in the state
While there is talk of drafting bipartisan lists, the practical path remains thorny. Some tensions arise over how party leadership should navigate elections, and rhetoric from both the PP and Ciudadanos suggests reservations about overcommitting to a formal alliance. The potential compromise would preserve some presence of the smaller party while acknowledging the reality that they may need to participate in the elections under the Popular banner in certain districts. [Citation: electoral strategy notes]
Reality surfaces in San Vicente del Raspeig and Granja de Rocamora
As conversations continue across many towns, two municipalities have already seen the PP recruit Ciudadanos figures to lead the slate. In San Vicente del Raspeig, Pachi Pascual, previously a spokesperson for Ciudadanos, has returned to the PP and taken the lead role in the candidacy. In Granja de Rocamora, the decision to place the Ciudadanos mayoral figure at the forefront signals a clear shift in the electoral lineup. The ongoing discussions in Sant Joan d’Alacant, where liberal Santiago Román once served as mayor, will reveal how such arrangements play out in practice. [Citation: regional election briefings]