Abel Caballero says Vigo can offer Bad Bunny a better stage than any he has experienced, as the mayor tries to bring major international acts to the city. Approaching his 80th birthday, Caballero has no plans to retire and says he will keep running for office as long as possible. Strong local support backs his confidence: he secured 61% of the vote in the last municipal elections, a stark contrast with the PSOE's weaker showing in Galicia's regional polls.
Caballero attributes his electoral success to a deep connection with Vigo's residents, noting that many voters from other parties back him in local elections. He believes real change in a city takes decades of continuity and points to Vigo's change as evidence. His high-profile Christmas displays have become a seasonal attraction. Caballero says the campaign generated €800 million in economic returns for Vigo at a cost of just €3 million. The city's announced 2026 installation plan includes more than 12 million LED lights across approximately 500 streets. It also calls for more than 7,000 decorative motifs, with lighting for about 2,700 trees and 1,500 arches. Planned expenditure that year is approximately €2.4 million under a four-year contract worth more than €9.5 million.
Asked about the PSOE's struggles at the regional level, Caballero stressed the value of long-term commitment in politics and said the party's model in Vigo has become a reference point across Spain. He remains critical of current and former regional leaders, accusing them of failing to support Vigo's success and resenting the city's achievements.
On national politics, Caballero rejected the idea that the PSOE is nearing the end of a political cycle. He argued that Spain is seeing strong economic growth and rising wages, while also pointing to its strong social policies. He insisted Pedro Sánchez remains the favorite to win the next general election. Caballero played down the electoral impact of former prime minister Felipe González's recent comments, saying González's opinions have little effect today.
Caballero also addressed the ongoing investigation into José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, praising the former prime minister's campaign skills and expressing confidence that the party has other strong figures ready to step up. He named Patxi López and the current defense minister as politicians capable of energizing PSOE rallies.
Asked about gifts he has received during his political career, Caballero said he does not accept expensive presents. He recalled a cuckoo clock recently given to him by a visiting football club, as well as some kiwis from a local farm. He also pointed to positive feedback from young voters, who, he claims, overwhelmingly support him in municipal elections.
The mayor's interest in public engagement extends to Vigo's cultural life. He wants to bring major international acts such as Coldplay and Bad Bunny to the city, promising a stage better than any the artists have experienced before. Caballero often introduces concerts in person and joins neighborhood festivities, reinforcing his image as an accessible and energetic leader.
Caballero takes a pragmatic approach to criticism within the PSOE. He maintains good relationships with prominent figures such as Emiliano García-Page and Paco Vázquez, but prefers to air disagreements publicly rather than privately. He credits Pedro Sánchez as the prime minister most supportive of Vigo, citing the government's willingness to back local projects.
On housing, Caballero acknowledged the challenges facing young people but blamed the constitutional structure, which allows regional governments to claim credit for national funding. He argued that the current government has done more than any previous administration to promote affordable housing for young people.
Caballero's colorful leadership style includes a fondness for breakdance and BMX biking. At public events, he has even sung 'Happy Birthday' in English. He insists age should not stop people from trying new things and encourages others to shed their inhibitions.
Vigo's Christmas celebrations have become a defining feature of the city, with 480 streets illuminated and international media attention. The announced 2026 plan extends the lighting scheme to approximately 500 streets, 40 more than the previous year. It also moves the Ferris wheel and Christmas market to bring attractions to more parts of the city. Caballero says the campaign helped turn Vigo from an industrial city with little tourism into a destination drawing as many as six million visitors during the Christmas season. He has cited approximately 2.5 million visits, while saying mobile-phone movement estimates can put the figure above six million. He also says the campaign has extended tourism beyond December, with low-season hotel occupancy at roughly 70% to 80%. Travel agencies now offer trips specifically for the festive season, he says. Caballero remains confident Vigo will be selected as a World Cup host city, despite disputes over funding with regional authorities.
The challenges Spanish cities face in balancing local identity with economic growth, alongside political rivalry, are not unique to Vigo. Recent reports, including the investigation into migrant trafficking in the Canary Islands, highlight the complex interplay between local governance and national priorities across Spain.
Abel Caballero's tenure shows how strong local leadership can reshape a city's image and influence national debates. At the 2026 Turespaña Convention in Zaragoza, he called Vigo's Christmas identity something the city had “invented” for the 21st century and presented his public profile as part of its branding: “The advertising is me; Abel Caballero is Vigo.” His showmanship goes hand in hand with a focus on policy, while his relentless optimism continues to shape Vigo's trajectory and keep the city in the national spotlight.
Vigo is the largest city in Galicia and a major economic hub in northwest Spain. Under Caballero, the city has invested significantly in infrastructure and public transport, alongside cultural events. The Christmas lights have become a symbol of Vigo's ambition, drawing visitors from across Spain and Europe. Political dynamics in Galicia remain complex, with the PSOE struggling to gain ground at the regional level despite local successes such as those in Vigo.
