A true battle for control over municipalities is unfolding behind the scenes in Madrid’s political circles. Isabel Díaz Ayuso’s team has no intention of yielding a single city—neither to Vox nor to the traditional left. Their focus is on trusted mayors who have already proven themselves in the most challenging conditions. Their task is not just to hold on to power, but to turn a temporary majority into an absolute one, leaving competitors no chance.
At the center of attention is the so-called ‘Ayuso Generation.’ These mayors, who assumed office after resounding victories in the last elections, are now emerging as key figures in the new strategy. Among them are Judith Piquet in Alcalá de Henares, Lucía Fernández in San Sebastián de los Reyes, Miguel Ángel Recuenco in Leganés, Alberto Escribano in Arganda del Rey, Carla Greciano in Galapagar, and Almudena Negro in Torrelodones. Each finds themselves having to balance between support from Vox and the need to assert independence.
The battle for majority
In some cities, such as Alcalá de Henares, the mayor’s office relies on a fragile alliance with Vox. Still, Ayuso’s party is betting on strengthening their mayors’ positions to avoid depending on the far right in the future. A clear example is Judith Piquet, who not only manages the city, but also holds a strategically significant post in the Federation of Municipalities and Provinces. This allows her to expand her influence and attract voters disappointed with coalition partners to her side.
In San Sebastián de los Reyes, Lucía Fernández took a different approach: she managed to pass the budget without Vox’s support, securing temporary backing from the Socialists. This maneuver reinforced the party’s image as an independent force capable of operating without far-right compromises. In Leganés, Miguel Ángel Recuenco also relied on a local party, leaving Vox aside and demonstrating that PP can be a stable alternative for right-wing voters.
Old strongholds
Rivas-Vaciamadrid holds a special place in the strategy—a city that for decades was considered an impregnable left-wing fortress. Here, Ayuso’s party makes no secret of its determination: for the first time in years, the PP candidate, Janette Novo, came close to victory, drawing growing attention to the city. In Móstoles, the situation is turning in favor of the PP after leading left-wing figures have left the political scene, opening new opportunities to strengthen their position.
In other municipalities where the PP has traditionally been strong, such as Pozuelo de Alarcón, mayors already govern with an absolute majority and feel no pressure from Vox. However, even here, Ayuso’s team remains alert, knowing the region’s political landscape can shift at any moment.
Internal conflicts
Relations with Vox are not always smooth. In Galapagar, Carla Grechano has managed to establish a working dialogue with the far-right party, allowing her to push through decisions without major scandals. However, in Torrelodones, tensions are at their peak: Almudena Negro and Vox representatives have been teetering on the brink of breaking up the coalition for several months. The regional leadership prefers not to intervene, waiting to see how this prolonged conflict will end.
Things are not entirely clear within the party itself, either. Ayuso is adamant: mayors should not combine their posts with parliamentary seats in the regional assembly. The only exception is the head of Tres Cantos. This approach makes it possible to focus efforts on local governance and avoid spreading resources too thin.
Plans for 2027
A little over a year remains until the next municipal elections, and political machines are already running at full speed. The ‘Ayuso Generation’ has a clear mission: to consolidate its positions, prevent Vox from turning temporary alliances into permanent ones, and expand the map of absolute majorities in the region. Special attention is given to towns traditionally strong for the left, as these are likely to become the main battleground for power in 2027.
All this is unfolding amid growing competition and constant attempts by rivals to win over disillusioned voters. In the coming months, Madrid’s municipalities could become the stage for unexpected alliances, high-profile scandals, and new political intrigues. Who will emerge victorious remains uncertain, but the stakes in this game are only getting higher.
