Paco Cuenca's tenure at the Granada City Council concluded this Wednesday. The until-now spokesperson for the Socialist Municipal Group has formalized his exit from the local corporation to take on his new responsibility as an Andalusian regional MP. The farewell, filled with symbolism and emotion, was attended by his closest circle and leaders of the Granada PSOE, including Raquel Ruz, Jacobo Calvo, Eduardo Castillo, María de Leyva, and Ana Muñoz, who underscored the group's unity.

Raquel Ruz spoke earlier, highlighting the socialist leader's deep connection to the city and his unwavering commitment to Granada throughout his political career. The councilor praised his work ethic, stating that his departure marks the end of a significant era for Granada's municipal politics.

In a warm and relaxed tone, Cuenca reflected on his time in municipal politics, advocating for the vision of the city he championed both as mayor and as leader of the opposition. He recalled the political shift in 2015, when the PSOE gained access to municipal government after decades of right-wing dominance, and argued that governance was built through dialogue, agreements, and consensus.

The socialist leader emphasized that Granada must continue to pursue a strategy based on knowledge, innovation, and science. He lamented what he perceives as a weakening of the institutional alliance with the University of Granada and advocated for the promotion of projects related to research, technology, and artificial intelligence. He also stressed the importance of strengthening the city's role within the metropolitan area and maintaining a shared vision for the challenges affecting Granada and its surrounding municipalities.

During his farewell, Cuenca recalled initiatives launched during his governments, such as reducing municipal debt, measures to boost public transport usage, applied bonuses, and investments in modernizing public services. He also championed policies to support local businesses and hospitality, as well as actions in heritage, culture, and social policies, highlighting the defense of public housing and equal opportunities.

Cuenca also criticized the current management by administrations governed by the Partido Popular, denouncing a loss of Granada's influence within Andalusia and arguing for the city to maintain its own voice and a more significant position in the autonomous community's strategic decisions.

The day also included administrative procedures to formalize his departure, including the handover of his council and provincial deputy seat, and the necessary steps for his incorporation into the Andalusian Parliament. Cuenca leaves behind over a decade of prominence in Granada's local politics, assuring that he will continue to defend Granada's interests from his new institutional role.