Seated around a table, five young politicians who have already stood out in the province analyze how Spanish society approaches this year as 8M arrives. Most of them agree that a crucial moment is unfolding, with a danger in the form of populism looming on a near horizon as a threat to equality. Faced with this fear, their shared desire is to safeguard hard-won rights without stepping back while continuing to advance, because there is still a lot of work ahead.
The dialogue features Lucía Peral (People’s Party), Raquel Marín (PSPV-PSOE), Sara Llobell (Compromís), Mireia Moyá (Vox), and María Teresa Pérez (Podemos). It yields much more than a simple discussion, allowing them to speak about their role models, their early steps in politics, the obstacles and microaggressions they still face due to being both women and young, and some of the issues that have generated deep divisions within the feminist movement in recent years, such as the ongoing debate around the current trans law.
Regarding the condescension and paternalism they often encounter, provincial deputy Lucía Peral (Elche, born 1999) recalls her early days, at nineteen, serving as the opposition spokesperson in the San Isidro municipality. “The governing team treated me like a child,” she says. A similar situation was faced by Podemos’ leader in the Valencian Community, María Teresa Pérez (Petrer, born 1993), who, at twenty-five, was a member of Congress and, at twenty-six, a senior government official. “There were officials who asked to relocate me because they did not want a young woman in charge,” she notes.
In terms of the most urgent policies to implement, provincial deputy Raquel Marín (Sant Joan d’Alacant, born 1994) points to eradicating gender-based violence, advancing toward a gender-economy that closes wage gaps, and a committed push for an education system that guarantees equality. “All policies must be inclusive and prevent inequality from persisting,” adds Llobell. Pérez also highlights an agreement between the PP and Vox to launch in Alicante what the left has labeled an “antiabortion office,” alongside two additional policy proposals: a new antiracism law with a gender perspective and specific training for judges on these matters. “The Constitution already provides maximum equality between men and women,” Moyá interjects.
Asked about their role models beyond the usual feminist figures, the five young women from Alicante consistently mention their mothers, aunts, and especially their grandmothers. There is little reference to other women beyond Peral, who expresses admiration for Isabel Díaz Ayuso as a defender of freedom, or Llobell, who cites colleagues who played pivotal roles in advancing Compromís, such as Mónica Oltra, Àgueda Micó, and Crevillent resident Aitana Mas.
Backsliding
Regarding the threats facing feminism and gender equality today, Sara Llobell (Alicante, born 1995), who as a city councilor has had to request that she be referred to as “mrs.” in council meetings rather than “miss,” offers a quick diagnosis. “We are living a period of backward motion driven by the rise of the far right, but we must not lose sight of decades of work that broke glass ceilings and sticky floors.”
By way of response, Mireia Moyá (Santa Pola, born 1989), the Vox deputy leader in the province, argues that thirty percent of Vox’s members are women. This perspective adds to the broader discussion about women’s representation within different political currents.
Around the urgent policy steps needed, Raquel Marín emphasizes eliminating violence against women, moving toward a gender-equal economy where wages are aligned, and ensuring an education system that guarantees equality. “All policies must be inclusive and prevent ongoing inequality,” says Llobell. In this frame, Pérez criticizes a PP-Vox agreement to establish in Alicante what the left calls an “antiabortion office,” and she proposes two more political initiatives: a new antiracism law with gender considerations and targeted training for judges in these areas. “The Constitution already guarantees equal rights for men and women,” Moyá contends.
When asked about their inspirations, beyond classic feminist figures, the five young women from Alicante consistently reference their mothers, aunts, and especially their grandmothers. They rarely cite other women, except Peral, who expresses admiration for Isabel Díaz Ayuso as a defender of freedom, or Llobell, who mentions colleagues who have been key in Propelling Compromís forward, such as Mónica Oltra, Àgueda Micó, or the Crevillent-born Aitana Mas.
Abolishing Prostitution
The Alicantina councilor points to abolishing prostitution and regulating gestational surrogacy as among the most urgent challenges. Beyond this, ideological differences surface in her discourse with Moyá, while the Vox representative offers a more measured narrative than the party’s more radical voices. The Santapolera frames many family-related concerns in a way that stresses teaching children respect between men and women.
On the topic of the trans law and the various stances within feminism, Marín defends that the PSOE governments have achieved the most advances in gender identity. Pérez advocates for integration, recognition, and guaranteed rights for transgender people. Peral calls for respect for the legal order and laws against discrimination.
These reflections show a generation of Alicante politicians who balance personal experience with a broader political project, aiming to translate lived realities into policies that advance gender equality while confronting opposition from political forces wary of reforms. The dialogue suggests a shared commitment to safeguarding rights and pursuing progress, even as disagreements over strategy and ideology persist within the movement and the broader public discourse.