New Independent Party Emerges from San Fulgencio Political Split

In the San Fulgencio municipality, a new independent political party has emerged, named Unidos por San Fulgencio (UpSF), following the departure of councillor Alain Franz Vandenbergen from the International Party for Nationalities (PIPN). The party was officially registered on May 14, 2026. Vandenbergen serves as the president of UpSF, while María Concepción García Baeza is appointed as the secretary-general.

The party's primary focus is on the residential developments of La Marina, Oasis, and La Escuera, which constitute the majority of San Fulgencio's population. However, the founders of UpSF emphasize their intention to unite the entire municipality, rather than promoting division between the urbanisations and the traditional town centre.

The establishment of UpSF came about due to a breakdown in relations within the PIPN, an organization that has traditionally represented foreign residents and homeowners in San Fulgencio's residential areas. In the 2023 municipal elections, the Partido Popular, led by José María Ballester, secured five council seats, one less than the Socialists' Party (PSOE).

Despite retaining the mayoralty through a governing agreement with the PIPN's two councillors, including Vandenbergen, Vandenbergen left the party and later joined the PSOE's six councillors. He played a role in an unsuccessful vote of no confidence against Ballester, aiming to install José Sampere as mayor.

UpSF positions itself as a vehicle to contest the political territory previously held by the PIPN. The dispute is currently pending in court, though it is unlikely to be resolved during the current term. The party's main objective is to restore the attractiveness and vitality of La Marina, Oasis, and La Escuera, which have experienced prolonged municipal neglect.

This includes improvements to maintenance, security, public services, businesses, housing, and employment opportunities. San Fulgencio, with nearly 10,000 registered residents, is predominantly composed of foreign nationals, with over 65% of the population residing in the urbanisations. The party argues that more than 90% of the municipality's resources are generated by these urbanisations and should be distributed more equitably, with greater investment directed towards these areas.

In addition to focusing on the urbanisations, UpSF also aims to challenge the municipality's reputation as a retirement destination. The party calls for a municipality with increased economic activity, improved services, and more opportunities to attract and retain younger residents. Although UpSF has not yet published a full manifesto, it promises to release detailed proposals in the coming weeks.

The party encourages residents to contribute their suggestions as it seeks to leverage the demographic and economic weight of the urbanisations to gain greater influence over municipal decisions.