Last Saturday, Dénia experienced a historic day with the celebration of an extraordinary plenary session for the mayoral handover. Rafa Carrió, candidate for Compromís per Dénia, was invested as the city's new mayor. This handover ends the 11-year tenure of socialist mayor Vicent Grimalt, who had officially resigned from his post last Monday in compliance with government agreements.
Carrió was elected thanks to a majority of 12 votes, combining the 9 supports from the Socialistes de Dénia and the 3 from his own party, Compromís. The session also saw the presentation of alternative candidacies from the Partido Popular (Pepa Font, 7 votes), Gent de Dénia (Mario Vidal, 1 vote), and Vox (Félix Redondo, 1 vote).
During his first speech as mayor, Rafa Carrió emphasized responsibility, political coherence, and social dialogue above party affiliations. He defended that this handover responds to the given word and mutual respect between government partners, stating that «institutions become stronger when commitments are respected».
The new mayor cited former mayor Sebastià Garcia as a great reference, praising an approach to politics based on listening to residents on the street and resolving daily problems. Carrió called for recovering the ability to disagree respectfully and work together, recalling his maxim that «21 councilors are always more than 11 or 12», and assuring that he will govern with an open hand to both his executive and the opposition.
Carrió set the priorities for his term, highlighting the urgent need to address the housing problem, demand pending educational investments, generate opportunities for young people, and provide dignified spaces for the elderly. He also mentioned preparing Dénia for environmental challenges and reflecting on the city's tourism model.
He concluded by assuring that his main objective is to be an accessible and honest mayor: «I will try to be honest with this city every day. I will try to listen. I will try to help».
