Rafael Rodríguez, the Vox candidate for mayor of Cuenca, believes that the city needs to return to having a «real productive economy,» since it has been «degrading» for the past ten to twenty years, and to halt the closure of businesses while promoting tourism through a specific organization and portraying a positive image to visitors and residents. In an interview with Europa Press, Rodriguez outlined these proposals and emphasized that employment and preventing young people from seeking opportunities outside of Cuenca were among the top issues to be addressed in the upcoming May elections. Vox proposes creating a promotion of entrepreneurship organization from the City Council in coordination with CEOE-Cepyme Cuenca to create conditions for new and existing businesses. In addition, Rodriguez believes that tourism is essential for the city’s economy and that it should be supported by a public-private partnership of the Municipality, the Provincial Government, the Association of Hosteliers, and entrepreneurs. The decline in the city’s image due to deteriorated infrastructure and graffiti is also problematic, and Rodriguez believes that no party has been able to effectively address it, regardless of political affiliation. Furthermore, Rodriguez stated that Vox aimed to win the elections in Cuenca, and although he predicted that Vox would receive around 15% of the votes, the number of councilors could vary given that eight parties are running, and those who do not meet the minimum 5% for councilors will lose their position. In conclusion, Rodriguez emphasized that Vox would never aid in keeping any leftist party in power and would help to facilitate their defeat, stating that «the PSOE and left-wing groups must suffer an unmistakable defeat in local and general elections at the end of the year so that the resolvable parts of these parties can recover and regenerate from the opposition.» Vox would support parties that aligned with their vision for individual freedoms, property rights, and the unity of Spain. The PP and similar parties could be potential partners, and negotiations could occur if the numbers supported the possibility of a coalition.
