Second PSOE Councillor in El Campello Leaves Her Group

Lupe Vidal, the PSPV councillor in El Campello Town Hall, has announced her decision to become Non-Affiliated, describing it as a "difficult" choice that is "the result of deep personal and political reflection," which she makes "with conviction, coherence, and respect towards those who trusted" her.

In doing so, Vidal follows her colleague in the Council, Vicent Vaello, who recently announced his move to the non-affiliated group, accusing the party of "tacticism."

In a letter sent to the media, Lupe Vidal states: "As a woman with a disability, I feel particularly tired of having our work questioned not for what we do, but for how we move. I have been a councillor for over a decade, working with commitment and dedication, often in silence, sometimes from the struggle. My way of doing politics has not been from the photo, but from constant contribution, based on dialogue and firmness."

She adds that, in the last two years, she has experienced situations that have shown her that "in some spaces, respect for people and public vocation has been set aside."

"My capacity for representation has been questioned for not being born in El Campello, like many people who live here, despite my children being born and raised here, and my years of work and commitment to the municipality. My mobility has also been used to discredit me, which is unfair and petty," she states.

And she emphasises that "it has been even more painful to see the attempt to degrade the figure of Vicent Vaello, spokesperson until December, a loyal and honest mayoral candidate." "They took advantage of his hospital admission and subsequent home recovery to accuse him of neglecting his duties, when in reality he was fighting for his health. During that time, internal decisions were made that broke the group's balance, breaching the legislative agreement we had agreed upon from the start."

In the councillor's opinion, it is "a premeditated and well-orchestrated strategy, where a double standard is applied: if the actions attributed to Vicent were truly irregular, similar measures would have been taken against those who acted the same."

"This has not been the case. Everything points to an attempt to damage his public image with false and manipulated statements to avoid commitments and ensure continuity in paid positions," she accuses.

It is also "significant" for Vidal that no spokesperson has been appointed to the elected general secretary, "as would be logical." "The reason, in my view, is to avoid resigning from the salary of the Diputación or resignation. Had they resigned, the next on the list would be Vicent, which would frustrate the plans they had established. Thus, another person was appointed as spokesperson, Vicent was weakened, and the group's control was consolidated," she notes.

"Although they want to call it 'new PSOE', much of it was already in the previous executive, so there is little new. I know my signature on the change of spokesperson was interpreted as a betrayal. Nothing could be further from the truth. Vicent and I decided it together, exhausted by the pressure. It was an act of personal and emotional protection. Since then, information has been withheld from us, and our work as councillors has been hindered, which in other contexts could even be considered workplace harassment. I am not willing to accept it," she recounts.

And she concludes: "I am a woman, I have a disability, and yet or because of it, I am here. I know the barriers and what it means to push my wheels and those of others who are silenced. I will not give up my seat. I owe it to those who trusted me, not to structures that prioritise partisan interests over ethics. Thanks to my family for their support, to those who have trusted me, and especially to Vicent, for his loyalty, his example, and for continuing to believe in another way of doing politics. Life takes many turns. My wheels too. But always forward."