The mayor of Murcia, Jose Ballestapassed away this Sunday at 67 years old as a consequence of a colon cancer against which he had been fighting since the beginning of 2024. The Murcia City Council has confirmed the news through a statement in which it expresses its “deep regret” and announces that it will decree three days of official mourning as a sign of mourning. “Murcia has just lost its mayor, but also a person who dedicated his life to public service, constant work and commitment to his neighbors.“said the council, which highlighted José Ballesta’s “vocation for exemplary service.”
José Ballesta kept his illness in the strictest discretion and never officially reported his illness. Despite medical treatment, He continued at the head of the City Council practically until the end, only reducing its public agenda at specific times. His last public appearance took place on April 30, during the municipal plenary session, just a few days after actively participating in the Easter and Spring Festival events.
Doctor in Medicine and Surgery and professor of Cell Biology at the University of Murcia, José Ballesta developed an outstanding academic career before making the leap into politics. He was rector of the institution between 1998 and 2006, in addition to previously holding the position of vice-rector for Research and Infrastructure. His entry into politics came with the help of former regional president Ramón Luis Valcárcel, joining the Popular Party lists for the Regional Assembly in 2007. He later held responsibilities in the Murcian Government as Minister of Public Works, Housing and Transport and, later, as spokesperson and counselor of Universities, Business and Research.
In 2015 he became mayor of Murcia for the first time, a position he held until 2021. after governing in coalition with Ciudadanos for two consecutive terms. That period ended with a motion of censure promoted by the PSOE and supported by its former government partners. However, José Ballesta returned to the mayor’s office after the municipal elections of May 2023, in which he achieved an absolute majority. During his three stages at the head of the City Council, he promoted outstanding urban planning and heritage projects such as the pedestrianization of Alfonso
Big basketball fan and deeply linked to Murcian traditions and celebrations, José Ballesta maintained an intense presence in the city’s public life even during cancer treatment. His involvement in cultural, festive and commemorative events, especially during the 1,200th anniversary of the founding of Murcia, also marked his way of understanding municipal politics.
