A lawyer and vocational education teacher, Bárbara Soler Torregrosa emerged as a surprising contender when the PSPV placed her at the top of the slate for a Torrevieja municipal campaign. Her entry marked a bold move for a party seeking to challenge the absolute majority held by the PP and its leader Eduardo Dolón. Soler, who acknowledged that headlining the ticket was not part of her original plan, accepted the challenge with a sense of duty and determination. She believed the moment was right to help thank Ximo Puig for his contributions to Vega Baja and Torrevieja, and to play a part in shaping the district’s future.
Why did she accept the leadership offer? Soler explained that there was plenty of work left to be done in Torrevieja. She appreciated the confidence shown by those who urged her to lead, and although it was not her plan, she took the responsibility seriously. Her motivation sprang from a belief that her leadership could drive meaningful improvements and that the community deserved an ambitious, new approach to local governance.
She does not identify as center-right. Soler describes herself as a normal citizen who has evaluated electoral programs over the years and voted for candidates who seemed best for the locality. She recalled voting for relatives and noting that ordinary citizens often choose the person they believe will best serve their town. She framed herself as representative of a broad, practical approach rather than a strict ideological label.
I have many coffees waiting to make the list. And the freedom to do so. Good things keep you waiting
Bárbara Soler Torregrosa, the PSOE candidate for mayor in Torrevieja, emphasized that she would rely on ongoing conversations and collaboration to build a strong team. She hinted at a balanced, patient preparation process, saying that the right list would emerge in time and that it was better to take a careful, thoughtful approach rather than rush a plan.
Evaluate the management of the PP in Torrevieja, Soler suggested, in a campaign that would emphasize constructive proposals. She preferred to defend her own project rather than attack others, insisting that a clean and positive tone could coexist with a willingness to defend important local interests when necessary.
When asked whether her candidacy was unconditional or controlled from above, she replied that the leadership wanted her to guide the project and grant autonomy to pursue what she saw as best. The aim was to introduce fresh ideas and deliver different results, rather than repeating past approaches. The focus was clear: a new project built on innovation and responsive governance.
The majority of the PP can be broken. There is little difference between now and the elections, but of course she would do anything.”
On the possibility of a reaction from other parties, Soler noted that friends had extended congratulations, a sign of mutual respect, regardless of how the political cards finally fell. She acknowledged that scrutiny would intensify as the campaign progressed and that every step would be carefully considered to keep the dialogue focused on issues rather than personal attacks.
Asked about the feasibility of beating the absolute majority with a narrow margin to enable a robust campaign team, she expressed strong belief. A slim lead, she argued, could still create momentum and open space for strategic proposals that resonate with local residents.
Domingo Soler, her uncle, was cited as an experienced figure whose political path offered valuable insight while highlighting that Bárbara Soler remained her own person. She described their common ground as diplomacy and adaptability, with both bringing practical talent to public service, even as their paths diverged in important ways.
Neither Eduardo Dolón nor Pablo Samper were asked about balancing family life with public office
Bárbara Soler Torregrosa reflected that many people wonder how office, family life, and candidacy can be balanced. She observed that public figures often face intense scrutiny, sometimes overlooking the personal challenges faced by their families. Soler mentioned her own family context, stressing that balancing responsibilities is difficult but not insurmountable, and that expectations should be fair and grounded in reality.
Ultimately, the interview underscored a candidate who prioritizes local concerns, aims to present a clear, positive project, and remains open to collaboration. The message was one of careful planning, steady preparation, and a commitment to delivering results that reflect the needs and aspirations of Torrevieja’s residents.