As the final year of the legislative term approaches, Manuel Millet, Vox spokesperson at Gandia City Council, asserts that his party has carved out a niche in local political discourse despite having only one councilor. In an interview, he discusses his core issues—housing, security, tax pressure, and “national priority”—and describes a city he believes is “driving its youth away because they see no future here.” Confident that Vox will grow in 2027, he emphasizes having brought matters “that concern ordinary citizens” to council meetings and champions a vision for a city that is “safer, with lower taxes and more opportunities.”
Millet reflects on his three years as Vox's sole councilor in Gandia, highlighting the clear articulation of their positions, the defense of the self-employed, small businesses, and the primary sector, and their opposition to tax increases. He also notes the introduction of debates such as the principle of national priority and community preference, alongside concerns about rising citizen insecurity. According to the spokesperson, they have presented an average of three motions or institutional declarations per month on issues affecting citizens, managing to demystify the party's initial stigma and offer solutions to current problems.
Regarding his relationship with other parties, Millet states he has felt heard, despite differences with the PP and left-wing parties. He believes his distinct stance has generated curiosity and allowed a different voice to be heard in the City Council.
On housing, the lack of construction in Gandia is a concern, paralyzing the local economy. Millet proposes freeing up more land to lower prices, revising outdated urban planning regulations, and eliminating taxes, as 70% of construction revenue goes to fees. He criticizes the city's economic decline after 40 years of socialist governance.
The shortage of housing and opportunities is driving young people away from Gandia, as they see no future. Millet suggests the city should foster real opportunities for emancipation, not empty promises. The native Gandian population is declining, with fewer births than deaths.
Regarding “national priority,” Millet explains that social resources should not be equally available to everyone; priority should be given to local citizens, neighbors, and families. At the municipal level, this translates into establishing aid criteria that favor recognized residency in Gandia, and it also impacts education, with complaints about the continuous mid-term enrollment of newly arrived students.
Concerning security, official figures indicate an 11% increase in crime, but public perception is worse, citing robberies and violence. There is a shortage of local police officers (around 150, with a need for at least 200) and calls for more surveillance cameras and a night watch program. They also demand stricter control and requirements for residency registration, arguing Gandia cannot become a haven for vulnerable populations out of charity.
The degradation of neighborhoods due to illegal occupations creates coexistence problems. They propose a municipal anti-occupation office to protect property owners. They also criticize “inquilokupación” (rental squatting), as state legislation prevents the eviction of tenants earning less than 1,800 euros, discouraging small landlords.
Vox is critical of local linguistic policy, believing the Valencian Language Academy (AVL) adopts Catalan norms. Millet defends the Royal Valencian Academy of Culture (RACV) as the standard for Valencian linguistic principles and states he will not accept Catalan impositions, asserting his own Valencian identity.
Looking ahead to May 2027, Millet is convinced Vox will increase its representation in Gandia, as its message on housing, youth precarity, taxes, and national priority resonates with people who feel discriminated against compared to newcomers.
Governing Gandia from 2027 onwards is “perfectly possible,” according to Millet, given the narrow vote margin between blocs. While he dislikes being grouped with the PP, he believes a majority of citizens desire prosperity, lower taxes, and increased security.
Regarding whether he will be the mayoral candidate, Millet states it is a party decision and that he is available to the party leadership if they deem him suitable for the challenge.
