The Partido Popular leader from Manilva, Jose Manuel Fernandez, will retain his responsibilities in the supra-municipal body following the change of president caused by Manuel Cardeña’s move to the Andalusian Parliament.
The renewal of the presidency of the Mancomunidad de Municipios de la Costa del Sol Occidental (the association of municipalities of the western Costa del Sol) will not bring changes to Manilva’s institutional representation. José Manuel Fernández will continue in his role as vice-president of the supra-municipal body following the appointment of Félix Romero as the new president, replacing Manuel Cardeña. The appointment is likely to be formalised on 19 June.
The change comes after Cardeña had to step down as president of the Mancomunidad in order to take up his seat as an Andalusian MP. The Partido Popular has ultimately opted for Marbella’s current councillor and municipal spokesperson, Félix Romero, to lead the western Costa del Sol, as he has a technical profile and knows the workings of the institution perfectly.
Fernández’s continuity as vice-president strengthens Manilva’s presence within one of the most important bodies in the region. The Partido Popular leader took on new responsibilities in the Mancomunidad at the end of April 2025, just a few days after leaving the post of mayor of Manilva following the vote of no confidence that brought in the current municipal government.
At that time, Fernández already stated his intention to continue working for the interests of the municipality at regional level. «I will continue to firmly defend Manilva’s interests and to work so that the whole Costa del Sol moves forward together towards a more sustainable, prosperous and fair future», he said then.
The former mayor’s continuity in this post will also allow him to maintain an active presence in local politics, taking part in projects and strategies that directly affect the development of Manilva and of the Costa del Sol as a whole.
The Partido Popular stresses that this new set-up will allow continuity in the lines of work developed over recent years, combining Fernández’s experience as vice-president with the new stage that Félix Romero is beginning at the head of the institution.
