Rebeca Pérez to lead Murcia after the death of José Ballesta. For the first time in 1,200 years, a woman will head Murcia. Rebeca Pérez will succeed José Ballesta following his death. The decision has been supported by a majority in the municipality.
For the first time in Murcia’s history, the post of mayor will be held by a woman. Rebeca Pérez, who previously served as deputy mayor, has officially announced her readiness to lead the municipality following the death of José Ballesta. Her appointment will be confirmed at a city council meeting on May 22, where Pérez’s party — Partido Popular — holds an absolute majority.
Pérez assumed the duties of acting mayor immediately after Ballesta’s tragic death last Sunday. She emphasized that she does not intend to step down and plans to continue the policies started by her predecessor. According to her, it is important for residents to see continuity and stability in the city's administration.
For the first time in its more than 1,200-year history, a woman will lead Murcia’s municipality. Pérez previously became its first deputy mayor—a position created specifically for her after Partido Popular’s victory in the 2023 elections. At that time, the party secured 15 out of 29 seats on the council, ensuring its support in the mayoral vote.
Pérez has been active in politics since 2015, when she took a seat on the city council after a fellow party member’s departure. During this time, she oversaw infrastructure and youth policy, and later sustainable mobility and municipal communications. After Partido Popular returned to power in 2023, Ballesta appointed her his deputy and entrusted her with key areas—urban development and property management.
At the press conference, Perez noted that she would continue to implement the strategic projects initiated by Ballesta and work with full dedication. When asked whether she would run in the next municipal elections in 2027, Perez said the question remained open—she is currently focused on her present duties and is experiencing the moment with particular emotion.
In the coming days, on May 15, an extraordinary council meeting will be held in Murcia, dedicated to the official notification of Ballesta's death. Afterwards, on May 22, a vote on the new mayoral candidate will take place. Thanks to the Partido Popular majority, Perez does not require support from PSOE or Vox representatives.
The leadership change in Murcia is taking place against the backdrop of other notable events in Spanish politics. For example, recently in Huelva, authorities and residents were focused on the aftermath of a railway disaster, which also impacted the course of local elections—you can read more about this in the article on the balance of interests and challenges for the region.
Rebeca Perez was born in Murcia in 1980, holds degrees in economics and optics, as well as a master's in applied political analysis. Her father has headed one of the local pedanías for more than 30 years. Over her years working in municipal government, Perez has established herself as an experienced manager capable of leading the city through times of change.
