Vigo's mayor, Abel Caballero, claims the city could offer Bad Bunny a better stage than anywhere else. He also dismisses Felipe González's political influence and insists Pedro Sánchez's leadership is far from over.
Vigo's long-serving mayor, Abel Caballero, has once again drawn attention with his bold statements about the city's ambitions and his own political future. As he approaches his 80th birthday, Caballero made clear he has no plans to retire, stating he will continue to run for office as long as possible. His confidence is backed by strong local support: in the last municipal elections, he secured 61% of the vote, a stark contrast to the PSOE's weaker performance 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 that real change in a city requires decades of continuity, and points to the transformation of Vigo as evidence. The mayor is known for his high-profile Christmas light displays, which have turned the city into a seasonal attraction and, according to him, generated €800 million in economic returns for Vigo at a cost of just €3 million.
Asked about the PSOE's struggles at the regional level, Caballero emphasized the importance of long-term commitment in politics and suggested that the party's model in Vigo has become a reference point across Spain. He remains critical of both current and former regional leaders, accusing them of failing to support Vigo's success and resenting the city's achievements.
On national politics, Caballero dismissed the idea that the PSOE is facing the end of a political cycle. He argued that Spain is experiencing strong economic growth, with rising wages and robust social policies, and insisted that Pedro Sánchez remains the favorite to win the next general election. He downplayed the impact of former prime minister Felipe González's recent comments, suggesting that González's opinions have little electoral effect today.
Caballero also addressed the ongoing investigation into José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, praising the former prime minister's campaign skills but expressing confidence that the party has other strong figures ready to step up. He named Patxi López and the current defense minister as examples of politicians capable of energizing PSOE rallies.
When asked about gifts received during his political career, Caballero said he does not accept expensive presents, recalling only a recently gifted cuckoo clock from a visiting football club and some kiwis from a local farm. He highlighted the positive feedback he receives from young voters, who, he claims, overwhelmingly support him in municipal elections.
The mayor's passion for public engagement extends to the city's cultural life. He expressed interest in bringing major international acts like Coldplay and Bad Bunny to Vigo, promising that the city would provide a better stage than any the artists have previously experienced. Caballero is known for personally introducing concerts and participating in neighborhood festivities, reinforcing his image as an accessible and energetic leader.
Caballero's approach to criticism within the PSOE is pragmatic. He maintains good relationships with other prominent figures, such as Emiliano García-Page and Paco Vázquez, but prefers to keep disagreements public rather than private. He credits Pedro Sánchez as the most supportive prime minister for Vigo, citing the government's willingness to back local projects.
On the issue of housing, Caballero acknowledged the challenges faced by young people but blamed the constitutional structure that 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 youth.
Caballero's colorful leadership style includes a fondness for break dance, BMX biking, and even singing 'Happy Birthday' in English at public events. He insists that age should not be a barrier to 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. Caballero claims that the event has put Vigo on the global map, with travel agencies now offering trips specifically for the city's festive season. He remains confident that Vigo will be selected as a host city for the World Cup, despite disputes over funding with regional authorities.
In a broader context, the challenges faced by Spanish cities in balancing local identity, economic growth, and political rivalry are not unique to Vigo. Recent reports, such as 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 illustrates how strong local leadership can redefine a city's image and influence national debates. His blend of showmanship, policy focus, and relentless optimism continues to shape Vigo's trajectory and keeps the city in the national spotlight.
For context, Vigo is the largest city in Galicia and a major economic hub in northwest Spain. Its transformation under Caballero has included significant investments in urban infrastructure, public transport, and cultural events. The city's Christmas lights have become a symbol of its ambition, attracting 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 like those seen in Vigo.
