Jose Banuls ,a Benidorm PP councillor has not only left the ruling council but he has left the PP party as well and joined a group of independent councillors,because of supposed irreconcilable differences between them.So for the first time since 1991 the PP no longer has the overall majority in Benidorm and they now share power with the socialists,both parties have 12 councillors.If they want to push something through now they will need to enlist the support of one or more of the independent councillors.
This is a complete reverse of what happened in 1991 when it was a socialist who jumped to the other side and allowed the PP to take power after just two months.It is not known if Sr Banuls will align himself with the socialists but it is the perfect time for a vote of no confidence in the present regime.Benidorm has always been considered a PP stronghold and if they lost control then it would seriously damage their long term aim of winning the next election.
Sr Banuls is saying that he wants to create a new political party which,in his view ,would bring a new era in Benidorm politics.He would also back any proposals,irrespective of which party was making the proposal,he just wants what is best for Benidorm.
The Provincial president has voiced his concerns and expressed his hope that the Mayor will be able to turn the situation around.The Mayor has made no comment so far.Sr Ripoll feels that the PSOE will be unable to take advantage of the situation.The PSOE feel that the PP in Benidorm has run out of steam and is a divided party.He thinks that the era of “absolute rule” is over.
