PSPV in Alicante faces Internal Turmoil as Mazón Consolidates Power and Vega Baja Becomes a Battleground
- Diana Morant’s PSPV leadership struggles to convert public outrage after the 29O tragedy into a winning political strategy.
- Carlos Mazón (PP) has stabilized his position and is mounting a political counterattack, wiht Miguel tellado’s backing to 2027.
- Vega Baja and Guardamar controversies – including the ”Babilonia” beach houses dispute – have put central government figures on the ground, but also revealed gaffes.
- Polls and local trends show growing voter drift from PSOE toward Vox in parts of Alicante,threatening the socialists’ second-place position.
- Political recommendations for the PSPV: refocus on housing, wages, family support, and urgent organizational renewal in alicante.
Introduction
the PSOE’s Valencian branch (PSPV) is facing mounting pressure in the province of Alicante. After the traumatic events referred to as 29O – which left deep wounds across the Valencian community – the regional socialist leadership has struggled to turn public grief and anger into political momentum. Meanwhile,the Partido Popular (PP) regional president Carlos Mazón has not only survived the crisis but appears to be consolidating power. With the Vega Baja and Guardamar controversies in the spotlight, the socialists risk losing ground to both the PP and a growing Vox in the province unless they quickly regroup.
What happened inside the PSPV in Alicante?
Sence Diana Morant became secretary general of the PSPV in the province, internal changes have been sharp and sometimes disruptive:
- Morant has pushed for a reorganization of the Alicante local structure, removing the local party leadership and installing a part-time caretaker committee.
- The municipal group in Alicante has taken on much of the party’s public-facing political work, even as its spokesperson prepares to step back and the party searches for a new public face.
- At the comarca level, the party apparatus has regained control and largely prevented primaries in most constituencies – reducing opportunities for grassroots renewal.
- Voices such as Alejandro Soler (a survivor of Cerdán’s leadership at the federal executive) have been cited as alternative figures with influence beyond Alicante,but they are not yet able to reshape the provincial balance of power.
Carlos Mazón’s rebound: from survival to counterattack
while socialists appear stuck, Carlos Mazón has managed three political stages:
- Survival: staying in office after the crisis.
- Stability: consolidating his leadership in the Generalitat valenciana.
- Counterattack: going on the offensive politically, with support from his secretary general Miguel Tellado through at least 2027.
The enduring question among political observers is what comes after 2027 and whether the PP’s momentum in the region will continue into the next electoral cycle.
Vega Baja and Guardamar: Ground zero for voter discontent
The Vega Baja – a comarca severely affected by past tragedies – has become a focal point for visits and political attention. In swift succession, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez visited Alicante province and the PSPV concentrated activities in the Vega Baja area. Yet some central government appearances have backfired:
- During a visit to Guardamar, a minister reportedly admitted ignorance about the controversy surrounding the so-called “Babilonia” beach houses, which the government intends to address through the Coastal Law. The admission was widely criticized as an example of political disconnection during a sensitive visit.
- Such missteps are politically costly in regions where local grievances are high and voters are searching for credible responses.
Electoral risk: Vox gains and the PP strongholds
In Alicante province, disaffection with the socialists has not simply returned to the PP. Some polls and local dynamics suggest:
- Vox is winning disenchanted voters in parts of Vega Baja and Alicante, in some areas challenging the PSOE for second place rather than the PP.
- The PP, especially in local strongholds like Torrevieja – governed by Mayor eduardo Dolón with an absolute majority – remains strong and consolidated.
What the PSPV must do: a short action plan
To stop erosion of support in Alicante and the Vega Baja, the PSPV should urgently consider a combined policy and organizational response:
- Broad, social-policy focus: move beyond single-issue narratives and address housing, wages, work-life balance (conciliación), and family aid.
- Local repair: engage directly with municipalities in Vega Baja and Guardamar to demonstrate serious, tangible commitments (coastal housing solutions, flood prevention, reconstruction funds where relevant).
- Organizational renewal: enable primaries in key constituencies, revitalize local party structures, and find new electoral faces for municipal and provincial campaigns.
- Communication overhaul: craft a clear, cohesive message for Alicante voters that contrasts with both PP management and Vox alternatives.
Quick checklist for immediate steps
- Open primaries where possible to boost grassroots confidence.
- Announce a regional social agenda with concrete measures on housing and family support.
- Deploy experienced negotiators (e.g., Alejandro Soler) to local coordination roles.
- Monitor polls in Vega Baja and Torrevieja to tailor campaign resources.
Key figures and their roles
| Name | Role / Note |
|---|---|
| Diana Morant | PSPV provincial secretary; facing criticism for organizational moves in Alicante |
| Carlos Mazón | President of the Generalitat Valenciana; seen as politically resilient |
| Miguel tellado | Mazón’s secretary general; political stabilizer until 2027 |
| Pedro Sánchez | Spanish Prime Minister; visited Alicante and Vega Baja amid political tensions |
| Eduardo Dolón | Mayor of Torrevieja (PP); symbolic stronghold for the right in Alicante |
Conclusion
The next months will be decisive for the PSPV in Alicante. With internal restructuring that risks alienating local activists and a regional government led by a confident Carlos Mazón, socialists must urgently rebuild trust in the Vega Baja and across the province. That requires both a stronger social policy agenda and authentic reorganization at the grassroots – or they risk ceding ground not just to the PP but increasingly to Vox.
Source and credits
- Original reporting and analysis translated from TodoAlicante - “Jose Vicente Perez Pardo: PSPV in the Labyrinth” (original Spanish)