José Ballesta, mayor of Murcia for twelve years, passed away at the age of 67 after a battle with cancer. Born in the Murcian capital in 1958, he was a doctor, professor of Cell Biology, and rector of the University of Murcia between 1998 and 2006. Before becoming mayor, he served as a regional deputy, Minister of Public Works, and spokesperson for the regional government. In 2015, he joined the Popular Party and won the mayoralty without an absolute majority, forming a pact with Ciudadanos.
From the microscope to municipal management: the technical profile of a professor in politics 🔬
His training in Cell Biology shaped his management approach, prioritizing data and processes over rhetoric. In the mayoralty, he promoted projects for administrative digitalization and modernization of urban services, relying on his experience as a rector to manage multidisciplinary teams. His time in Public Works gave him a practical vision of infrastructure, although his reserved style contrasted with the usual political noise. For him, technology was a tool, not an end.
Twelve years as mayor: the record that even his shadow couldn't surpass 🏛️
Ballesta lasted twelve years in office, a time that in municipal politics is equivalent to several geological eras. They say his secret was to speak little and listen even less, but to do just enough so that no one complained too much. Although his pact with Ciudadanos was as stable as a stem cell in a laboratory, in the end, cancer won the battle. At least he didn't leave a city in perpetual construction, which is already an achievement.