Abel Caballero Secures Historic Fifth Term as Vigo Mayor With Over 60% Vote
Abel Caballero wins Vigo mayoral race again with a remarkable 60.86%, attributing success to clear priorities and iconic projects amid Spain's complex political landscape.
- • Abel Caballero re-elected mayor of Vigo with 60.86% of the vote for a fifth term.
- • PSOE outperforms PP locally but trails in national general elections.
- • Caballero’s popularity linked to clear priorities and signature projects like Vigo’s Christmas lights.
- • Discussed positive local impact of the 2030 World Cup and Spain’s broader economic and political challenges.
Key details
Abel Caballero, the mayor of Vigo, has been re-elected for an unprecedented fifth term in the 2023 municipal elections, claiming a commanding 60.86% of the vote. His party, the PSOE, achieved 82,313 votes, far outpacing the main opposition PP, which garnered just 18.58%, or 25,132 votes. Despite this local success, the PSOE lagged behind the PP in the general elections held the same year, where the PP led with 33.06% compared to PSOE’s 31.68%.
Caballero’s popularity is largely attributed to his clear strategic priorities and high-profile projects, including the famed Christmas lights display that has turned Vigo into a national and international attraction. He also spoke optimistically about the impact of the upcoming 2030 FIFA World Cup, which Vigo will help host alongside Portugal and Morocco, highlighting the potential benefits for the local economy and international visibility.
In a broader context, Caballero reflected on Spain’s economic challenges, noting rising inflation and a political landscape marked by polarization and populism, which have led to growing public dissatisfaction. His leadership stands out as a localized success amid these national complexities.
Caballero stated, "Our vision and commitment to Vigo have resonated strongly with our citizens, and we are ready to continue advancing the city's development with clear objectives and emblematic initiatives." The mayor’s deep connection with Vigo and focus on tangible projects underscore his electoral dominance and promise to further shape the city’s future.
This article was synthesized and translated from native language sources to provide English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
