The severe Arctic chill that swept through the state this week has seeped into the country’s political landscape, touching Alicante. Neither the local government nor the candidate moved to reach consensus on the municipal lists for the upcoming elections. Relationships have cooled to a standstill this week, with both parties sticking to their plans and not returning calls. As of today, the only thing on the agenda is the local execution scheduled for Monday afternoon, March 6.
Things can shift over the weekend and even on a Monday, but when lines are frozen, meeting someone becomes difficult. The statute requires that the candidate, recognized by the general secretary, be heard. Miguel Millana is the named figure, yet no contact was made with the mayor, according to the entourage of the former councillor in Barcelona.
Ximo Puig closes ranks with Barceló in Alicante and awakens Franco
The paradox here is that the PSOE mayoral candidate leads the party but does not belong to the local executive and might face obstacles in submitting a list or securing the needed support. The decision-making body and the transfer authority, Ferraz, assigns names for the Election Board, chaired by the National Executive Committee. Puig was convened at noon on Saturday, March 11, a move that could allow a further postponement if Millana chooses to delay. This extra time between Monday and the weekend could either ease tensions or prolong negotiations.
A third element is the political fallout among party militants. Although accusations of manipulation surface, former councilor and Barceló’s rival in the primaries, Maria Jose Adsuar, secured the most votes. Her role is secondary, since the sector backing her controls about 35% of the executive’s votes. The initial plan was to discuss names with the candidate, but until this Friday, officials said the mayor had not been in contact. Barceló echoed the same sentiment about the Executive, arguing that the situation differs, at least according to this newspaper.
Postponement of Alicante and Elche executives, a fierce contest for lists between Franco and Barceló
Valencia does not interfere
The message from the official district headquarters has been steady and consistent: “It doesn’t matter.” This stance was echoed by Ximo Puig in Castellón and at the CEN, where the situation remains intricate. The general secretary has called for a “winners list” and urged the parties to put aside the chaos and focus on governing the community. In this sense, the PSPV-PSOE spokesperson and deputy general secretary, Ana Dominguez, said, “The goal is to build the strongest lists with the best candidates and teams that reflect the majority.” The Valencian organization grants local actors autonomy in their decision processes, but there is widespread dissatisfaction with how the process is being run when so much is at stake.
Two potential meetings were reported during the week to bring positions closer, but sources close to the island denied attendance in the capital, Turia. In form, this reflects a balance between blocs and a temporary stalemate as negotiations continue.
For the socialists, only one week remains for the district and municipal lists in towns with more than 20,000 inhabitants to pass their first cut. Focus centers on three key towns: Alicante, Elche, and Torrevieja, the most populous in the province and the ones with the greatest potential to influence the vote.