PP places mayors from flood-hit Utiel and Algemesí on Valencia election lists

In an effort to showcase its handling of the recent flood disaster, the Partido Popular has given prominent roles to local mayors on its Valencia congressional lists. Valencia mayor María José Catalá tops the slate, with Utiel mayor Ricardo Gabaldón placed second and Algemesí mayor José Javier Sanchis occupying the sixth slot. The party also included national deputy Belén Hoyo, former regional minister Fernando de Rosa, and physician Esperanza Reynal among the top five candidates.

For the Senate race, the PP selected Alma Alfonso, moving from the Congress, and Luis Santamaría, while one Senate slot remains vacant. The move aims to counter expected criticism of former president Mazón and his council over the flood response, highlighting Gabaldón’s praised decision to suspend classes early on.