The mayor of Málaga, Francisco de la Torre, announced on Monday that he will once again lead the PP list in the municipal elections of 2027. This will be his seventh candidacy since he took office in 2000.
Francisco de la Torre, mayor of Málaga for 26 years, confirmed on Monday that he will run for re-election in 2027. At 84 years old, the popular leader aims for his seventh consecutive term, a challenge that comes after a career marked by electoral ups and downs and a long tenure in power.
The announcement was made in the gardens of Pedro Luis Alonso, the same venue where he presented his candidacy in 2023. De la Torre did not hide his ambition: "Málaga needs continuity and experience," he said. But behind that statement lies an electoral history that deserves a review.
From Villalobos' legacy to the peak of 2011
De la Torre did not reach the mayor's office through the ballot box. In April 2000, Celia Villalobos handed over the baton to become Minister of Health under Aznar, and he was appointed by the plenary to replace her. He had to wait until 2003 to present himself as a candidate and legitimise his position.
This legacy was a double-edged sword. Villalobos had achieved a historic result in 1999: 55.72% of the votes and 19 councillors out of 31. De la Torre started from that peak, but his first test in 2003 yielded only 49.13%, a decline that, in retrospect, was just the beginning of a rollercoaster ride.
In 2007 he improved slightly (50.84%) and in 2011 reached his electoral zenith: 53.46% and 19 councillors, tying with Villalobos' best record. It was the high point of his project, but also the prelude to a downfall.
The collapse of 2015: the perfect storm
2015 was the year of weariness. De la Torre fell from 53.46% to 36.47% of the votes, losing six councillors (from 19 to 13) and the absolute majority. In a single election, he lost more than a third of his percentage support.
What happened? The economic crisis weighed heavily on the electorate, especially in a city with high unemployment rates. Additionally, new players emerged: Ciudadanos achieved 10.37% and 3 councillors, while Málaga Ahora (a coalition of Podemos and IU) secured 13.33% and 4 councillors. The fragmentation of the vote was lethal for the PP.
To this was added the natural wear and tear of over 15 years of government by the same party. Voters punished the lack of renewal, although De la Torre managed to weather the storm.
The recovery of 2019 and 2023: the mayor's resilience
Against all odds, De la Torre made a comeback. In 2019 he rose to 40.66% and 14 councillors, regaining one. And in 2023, with the PP riding a wave of popularity, he reached 46.36% and 17 councillors, just two short of an absolute majority.
What was the secret? The management of the city and a divided opposition. The PSOE remained stable (around 30%), but the left of the PSOE deflated. Málaga Ahora disappeared and Podemos was left out of the City Council. Ciudadanos also sank.
For the Málaga voter, the question remains the same: is De la Torre the best candidate for 2027? The mayor himself is clear: "Málaga is advancing and I want to continue leading that advance." But the opposition is already warning: "84 years is a lot of years," say those from the PSOE, who are preparing a renewed candidacy.
Whatever the case, the people of Málaga will decide again at the polls. And, judging by history, one never knows what might happen: from 53% to 36% and back to 46%. In politics, as in life, the only certainty is change.
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