Puertollano’s PSOE has formed its primary commission to choose a candidate for the 2027 elections, setting the race for city hall in motion early. The party says it wants to win back the city government and put Puertollano’s future in its hands.
Frustration is growing inside the party. Leaders say the current local government has lost its lead. The PSOE says the mayor now relies on “a policy of announcements and leveraging other people’s initiatives.” Big economic projects, they argue, come from higher authorities, not city hall.
The socialists say Puertollano is missing its chance to shape its own future. They point to the €4.5 million expansion of the La Nava industrial estate, funded by the regional government and the Instituto para la Transición Justa. The project will add about 33,000 square meters of industrial land, opening the door to projects such as the planned wolframio processing and refining plant at the El Moto mine, which is expected to create over 200 jobs. Cadena SER reports that the official timeline for the La Nava III, Phase 2 expansion sets the tender for late 2026, with completion due by the end of September 2027. Data from Cadena SER and elDiario show the La Nava III project will add 11 industrial plots to support the supply chain for the El Moto tungsten complex.
Noelia Caballero, the PSOE’s municipal spokesperson, says these investments “demonstrate the commitment of socialist governments to Puertollano’s industrial future and stand in stark contrast to the lack of original initiatives from the local administration.” The party says Puertollano needs more than a city hall that manages money from Madrid or Toledo. Information from EIT RawMaterials, the El Moto project itself could create over 400 highly qualified jobs. Production is set for the first quarter of 2029, and the mine could operate for 18 years.
The primary process is under way. PSOE leaders say they are the only ones who can offer a “solid, close, and ambitious” alternative, focused on jobs and public services while pursuing economic growth and neighborhood improvements. They want the 2027 elections to be a turning point and aim to put city hall back in charge of Puertollano’s future. Regional officials cite “over 200” jobs at El Moto, while international project profiles put the number at more than 400.
In late September 2026, PSOE Puertollano stepped up its criticism of the local PP-led government, accusing Mayor Miguel Ángel Ruiz of abuse of power and poor management style, Cadena SER and elDiario de Castilla-La Mancha reported. Ruiz has said in interviews with ABC and elDiario that he intends to run for re-election as the PP candidate in May 2027, barring unforeseen changes.
This local fight is not unique. Across Spain, debate continues over whether local leaders or higher authorities lead progress. As reported earlier, other towns face similar tensions, with parties under pressure to show their relevance at the local level.
The PSOE’s early push reflects its urgency and its bet that voters want change. If the party turns its criticism into a plan, the 2027 race could test who has the lead and proposals to pull Puertollano out of its rut.
