Barely two days after being removed from the mayor’s office in Manilva by a vote of no confidence, José Manuel Fernández (PP) has announced he is taking on new responsibilities within the Mancomunidad de Municipios de la Costa del Sol Occidental. In a statement on his social media, after meeting the president of the Mancomunidad, Manuel Cardeña, Fernández reaffirmed his «firm commitment to Manilva and the whole of the Costa del Sol.»
In his statements, Fernández stressed that in this «new responsibility» he will work to «improve the services and quality of life of our residents». Emphasising that he will continue to defend the interests of Manilva, the former mayor said: «I will continue to firmly defend the interests of Manilva and to work so that the whole of the Costa del Sol moves forward together towards a more sustainable, prosperous and fair future. Manilva needs to be well represented, and it is where it should be».
Fernández’s move into new areas at the Mancomunidad comes at a time of political reshuffling in Manilva, following the investiture of Mario Jiménez (Compromiso Manilva) as the new mayor with the support of Con Andalucía. Fernández’s presence in a supra-municipal body such as the Mancomunidad could allow him to retain a positive influence on the region’s policies and continue to represent the municipality’s interests from another sphere.
This strategic move by the former PP mayor suggests an intention to remain active in local and regional politics, despite the recent setback at Manilva Town Hall. His focus on improving services and defending Manilva’s interests from his new role at the Mancomunidad marks a new stage in his political career.
