Young people are often told politics is hard to access, especially when the climate around some parties seems colder and more distant. Yet this election cycle shows a shift: political groups are paying particular attention to this demographic, recognizing that their votes could carry significant weight. This group is ready to influence the color of local businesses and the Generalitat government alike. The momentum is visible in the nominations, with the youngest candidates stepping forward to tackle issues that directly affect their lives, such as jobs and housing. The state of Alicante already highlights this trend, with six of the youngest mayors, aged between 21 and 31, representing the main parties and aiming to make a strong showing in the polls.
Next Sunday, 186,971 young people from the Valencian Community will cast ballots, including 59,550 in Alicante, voting for the first time as adults. Given this reality, it is not surprising that political parties are offering a range of promises to win their support.
PSPV pledges job opportunities, training, and rent assistance for anyone unemployed for a year. The PP proposes dedicating 40% of all European funds to youth employment. Ciudadanos backs a pilot program designed to help people under 35 gain access to work, while Compromís emphasizes implementing a basic income for liberation. Vox expands youth employment pools and proposes tax breaks for first-home purchases, and Unides Podem focuses on affordable rents and measures to encourage the return of young people who left the country to pursue housing and living projects.
In this context, many names have chosen to enter politics and even lead various mayoral campaigns. Each candidate has aligned with the organization that best reflects their views, but the common thread is a proactive commitment to serve their communities and improve life for fellow residents.
The youngest is Merche Murcia, the Vox nominee for Redován, aged 21. Not only does he top the electoral list, but he also leads the party at the local level after Verónica Muñoz stepped down. A Political Science student at Miguel Hernández University in Elche, Murcia joined the party at 18, saying, “Because I found the measures from central and regional governments lacking.”
He notes that young people “are aware of what is happening,” but many hesitate to enter politics because they worry about being undermined. On youth issues, Murcia argues that the first step is to remove subsidies to undeserving groups and help young people gain independence. He also opposes cuts to the Tajo-Segura irrigation project, warning that agriculture and family economies would suffer if those cuts go ahead.
Rafael Coloma, 22, leads the PSPV ticket in Biar. He is finishing studies as a social educator and serves as regional secretary of Socialist Youth after joining at 18. “I love politics and I joined the party I believe offers more solutions for the youth,” he says, adding that young people should be the leading force in these policies. He aims for the mayoral post, currently held by the PP, and believes the municipality should echo the Botanical Government’s momentum at the local level. His platform includes creating spaces for education and leisure to prevent young people from drifting away and extending aid to small businesses to boost local employment.
Jordi Pla, Compromís candidate for Cocentaina, is 28 and brings substantial experience as a city councilor and a member of the Ministry of Sustainable Economy team. He challenges the notion that youth participation is low by arguing that participation rates among young people align closely with other age groups. His plan focuses on reducing unemployment, offering municipal land to attract companies, and revitalizing the old town to create affordable rental housing. Public transport improvements are a priority to help residents with fewer resources, including young people.
Noelia Úbeda, 29, is the youngest candidate in these elections and is running in Muro. A lawyer by training, she has served as mayor of Women and Regions in a coalition government that included the public, Citizens, and some EU members. She states that she has always identified with center-right politics and centers her agenda on the economy and social welfare. She supports establishing a new industrial zone to facilitate housing access for young people. In Muro, rents range from 400 to 500 euros, which she notes is workable if there are good job prospects, and she believes the new development would spur employment and benefit local commerce.
Marta Gómez, 30, leads Unides Podem in La Nucía. A participant in the 15M movement in Valencia, she moved into local politics after years of activism and a long PP-led majority. Her priorities include reviving the town center for housing and ensuring affordable rents, improving public transport to connect different urban areas, and promoting a more livable urban environment. She emphasizes the need for better connectivity and access to services for all residents.
Víctor Gómez, 31, heads Ciudadanos’ list in Dolores and began in politics at 19, initially with the PP. Working as a sales manager, he notes that housing prices are not excessively high in his area, and his strategy centers on leveraging the Generalitat to advance social housing. He aims to attract investment and promote youth-centered activities while addressing the broader needs of the community.