The Mayor of Sant Joan Issues Ultimatum to the Festivities Councillor Unless She Apologizes to Festival-Goers

Potential government crisis looms in the Sant Joan d'Alacant Town Hall on the eve of the patron saint festivities for Cristo de la Paz, due to the organization of last Sunday's paella contest. The mayor, Santiago Román of the Popular Party, has threatened to strip Charo Tomás, the Festivities Councillor, of her duties unless she apologizes to the festival-goers. Tomás, also from the Popular Party, has warned that she will leave the governing team and party discipline to join the mixed group.

The controversy began on Sunday during the traditional paella contest. Festival-goers complained that the lack of shade led to issues of heatstroke, dizziness, and heat exhaustion among many participants. They demanded explanations from the councillor during a meeting on Monday.

Far from calming tensions, the Junta de Penyas issued a statement on Wednesday expressing their "deep displeasure, discomfort, and disagreement with the attitude displayed by Councillor Charo Tomás during our meeting on Monday, September 2nd at the Junta de Peñas premises, as well as during the events of Paella Day 2024 held on September 1st."

They also "deeply regret that they had to endure, with astonishment and dismay, how our president and some of our representatives were subjected to inappropriate and disrespectful treatment by Mrs. Tomás. This behavior has not only created an atmosphere of tension and discomfort but has also negatively affected the collaboration and festive spirit that has always characterized our celebrations."

In their statement, the Junta de Penyas demands "an immediate rectification and a public and noticeable apology from Mrs. Charo Tomás in order to restore trust and good understanding among all parties involved."

In response to the discontent expressed by festival-goers, Mayor Román issued another statement informing that he had asked Councillor Tomás to apologize both through a statement and in a press conference. If she fails to do so in the coming hours, the mayor does not rule out "taking other measures for the sake of the Major Festivities of Santísimo Cristo de la Paz in Sant Joan," which could include removing Charo Tomás from her duties.

Mayor Román has already informed other councillors of his decision to rally support and prevent a deeper crisis within the local government team. If Tomás follows through with her threat to join the mixed group, it would leave the Popular Party in a minority within the Corporation, depending on Tomás herself.

The absolute majority in Sant Joan d'Alacant is 11 councillors. The Popular Party won with 9 seats and secured leadership thanks to two seats from Vox. The PSPV obtained 8 seats while Compromís secured 2.