The Dénia council chamber was packed for the historic session that proclaimed Rafa Carrió, of Compromís, as the new mayor. The city becomes a symbol of municipal Valencian politics, regaining the mayoralty after 27 years. A one-year term begins, until the next elections, where the government remains the same but its leading figure changes.
The session was attended by numerous Valencianist officials and militants from the city and region, as well as deputies like Àgueda Micó and Joan Baldoví. Former Valencianist mayors such as Sebastià Garcia and Enric Morera, and regional deputies like Gerard Fullana, were also present. Socialist representatives including Joan Ignasi Pla, Paqui Viciano, and Adolfo Utor, along with María Mut from the PP, were also in attendance.
The ceremonial session, presided over by socialist Maria Josep Ripoll, saw four candidates presented: Rafa Carrió (Compromís), Pepa Font (PP), Félix Redondo (Vox), and Mario Vidal (GD). In the vote, each group supported their candidate, except for the PSPV, which backed Carrió as agreed in the legislative pact.
At 11:18 AM, the secretary proclaimed Rafa Carrió as the new mayor, who took the oath of office emotionally. Former mayor Vicent Grimalt handed him the mayoral staff. In his first speech, Carrió emphasized the responsibility and respect for the office, viewing it as a tool to reach people more effectively. He paid special tribute to Sebastià Garcia, his mentor.
Carrió called for dialogue and collaboration from the entire council, stating that "good ideas don't always have a political party card, and people's problems don't either." He pledged to seek consensus and build support for Dénia, thanking the work of Vicent Grimalt and the socialist councilors. The new mayor aims to "reinforce the plural character of the local government" and collective work.
“"Good ideas don't always have a political party card, and people's problems don't either."
During the speeches, Mario Vidal (GD) urged enthusiasm and responsibility. Félix Redondo (Vox) opined that the change does not represent a new phase but the continuation of an exhausted model. Maria José García (Compromís) advocated for dialogue and governing for everyone. Pepa Font (PP) acknowledged the pact's legitimacy, requesting transparency and exemplary conduct. Maria Josep Ripoll (PSPV), now deputy mayor, highlighted that the pact with Compromís prioritizes citizens and thanked Vicent Grimalt's contributions.
