A surprising move surprised a broad spectrum of council groups during the Elche City Council plenary. The municipal coalition aligned with the People’s Party presented a motion recognizing International Women’s Day on March 8 and tying it to the national framework often summarized by the phrase “only yes means yes.” The spokesperson, Paul Ruz, noted that almost a thousand individuals convicted of sexual offenses had recently been released, a point that colored the discussion around women’s safety and public policy.
A dash of surprise came from the PSOE and Compromís, who had hoped for a broader, more confrontational debate. Ruz, who preferred to keep dialogue with the PP minimal, indicated that the motions aimed to emphasize women’s rights in a general sense rather than revisit past disputes. The reference to Elche’s leadership history, including Mercedes Alonso as the city’s first female mayor and other notable figures associated with Valencia, was used to frame the discussion about progress and ongoing needs. Ruz reminded attendees that prioritizing women’s dignity should guide government actions, noting that after eight years, a full-time 24-hour women’s care center still had not materialized in Elche.
“This resolution is essential, necessary and a direct response to the ongoing reality of violence against women in Spanish society,” stated the PP’s leader and mayoral spokesperson.
The session also brought to light the stance of Vox, which appeared to resist the timing of the announcement on Women’s Day while maintaining a generally constructive atmosphere about the changes proposed by other groups. Loyalty and PSOE proposals were accepted by the PP without major opposition, reflecting a broader willingness to adjust wording while preserving core aims.
Aurora Rodil of Vox commented that she would have presumed the proposal came from PSOE or Compromís if the PP had not initially framed it, while highlighting the March 8 focus on working women. She also criticized perceived gaps in the response to gender-based violence.
Eva Crisol of CS pointed out that some parties viewed the issue as unrelated to party politics, arguing that men and women should stand together on this topic, irrespective of group affiliation.
Esther Díez noted that the PP had not supported the Equality Law, while Compromís argued that true equality cannot be claimed when governments are formed with parties that deny those rights. The two sides nonetheless welcomed aspects of the PP’s proposal, even if they differed on phrasing. Mariano Valera from PSOE acknowledged the motion but described parts of it as potentially confusing, cautioning against terms that could blur distinct ideas. He expressed disappointment that a broader declaration could not move forward due to the absence of Vox support, concluding with the observation that some individuals still treat women as second-class citizens. In his remarks to the General Assembly, he asserted that such attitudes persist among certain factions and urged clear, actionable commitments instead.
Across the plenary, participants emphasized the need for concrete policies that protect women while promoting equality in everyday governance. The discussion underscored the balance between recognizing historical milestones and delivering practical services, such as accessible care facilities and robust protections against violence. The council’s deliberations demonstrated a shared interest in advancing women’s dignity through public action, even as party lines shaped the tone and emphasis of the debate. Marked statements by council members and observers highlighted the ongoing, communal effort to translate formal commitments into real changes for Elche’s residents. The session concluded with a call for continued collaboration across groups, focusing on clear objectives, measurable outcomes, and steady progress in the years ahead.