Mario Jiménez, leader of Compromiso Manilva, has been sworn in as the new mayor of the municipality. The motion of no confidence, driven by his party and backed by the councillors of Con Andalucía IU, succeeded with a majority of 9 councillors, marking a new turn in the local political landscape.
The council meeting, which lasted a little over an hour and was chaired by Antonio Marín of VOX, was marked by the power cut that affected the whole country. It caused a few minutes of uncertainty, but proceedings continued without electricity or internet, which made things difficult for all the media present. The motion had the support of Compromiso Manilva and Con Andalucía IU, the abstention of the PSOE and the rejection of the PP and Vox councillors.
After taking office, Jiménez set out his priorities: affordable housing for young people and families, stronger care for the elderly, improved public safety and a demand that the central government transform the Guardia Civil station. He also promised a government focused on tourism, education, culture, health, the environment and diversity, opening «a stage of dialogue, work and commitment».
Jiménez justified the motion of no confidence by citing the previous government’s «political inaction» and «total paralysis», criticising Fernández’s «personal political growth» and his «lack of leadership». Juan Carlos Morejón, spokesperson for Con Andalucía, accused the PP of «betrayal and lack of trust», and of devoting itself to «taking photos, self-promotion and events to promote the PP, without any investment from the Diputación or the Junta de Andalucía».
Fernández, for his part, defended his record and accused the motion of responding to «personal interests and party-political calculations», pointing to Jiménez’s status as a «figure under judicial investigation». Vox councillor Antonio José Marín criticised the lack of an external audit and a budget «without a balanced account». The PSOE, through José Jiménez, justified its abstention by the lack of «realistic projects».
