In Memory of José Francisco Ballesta Germán
The municipality of Murcia wakes up today under a shadow of sadness. Although expected since we learned of his diagnosis in 2024, it does not make the news any less moving. The passing of José Francisco Ballesta Germán on this May 10, 2026, marks the end of a political era for our municipality.
Aware of his Illness
While I had been aware of the gravity of his illness for some time, the news of his passing this May 10th struck me with the force of the unexpected. During my time as the Mayor of Santo Ángel, I maintained regular contact with José Ballesta—a relationship defined by politics, but also by mutual respect. Both his supporters and his detractors agreed on one indisputable point: Ballesta was an extraordinarily eloquent, intelligent man, gifted with a charisma capable of filling any room. He was fully aware of his oratory skills and the weight of his image, something immortalized in an anecdote I discovered during a photo session on the roof of the Convalecencia building (the headquarters of the University of Murcia) while a storm crossed the city sky.
[Image Description: The Cathedral of Murcia as a storm crossed the sky over the city]
Rector of the University of Murcia
It was in that building that I learned the story of his official portrait as Rector, a position he held from 1998 to 2006. Tradition dictates that each outgoing rector is depicted in a portrait, usually limited to a “bust” (head and shoulders) to be hung alongside their predecessors. However, José Ballesta opted for a full-body representation—a work of such dimensions that it could not be placed in the common room with the other rectors, requiring its own space. This detail faithfully reflects his vision of leadership and his strong personality. Despite the political differences we might have had, his treatment of me was always cordial and accessible, even when I was in the opposition and regardless of whether his political direction was questioned by certain sectors.
His Characteristic Kindness
My methodology for achieving progress for Santo Ángel as an opposition mayor was quite unique, as many institutional doors tended to be closed in advance. I remember my strategy consisted of entering the City Hall at nine in the morning and, without saying a word, sitting on the sofa in the waiting area of the Mayor’s office.
My constant presence there created an evident nervousness among the Mayor’s staff, who would approach me to ask if I had an appointment or what I needed. I always answered clearly regarding the matters of Santo Ángel that required his help. When José Ballesta arrived, usually around nine-thirty, he would greet me with his characteristic kindness and enter his office. A few minutes later, I would receive confirmation that my requests would be attended to—a promise he always kept—often coming out personally to say goodbye to me with a gesture of courtesy.
[Image Description: Bishop D. José Manuel Lorca Planes, Mayor D. José Francisco Ballesta Germán, and President Juan Jesús González Gurillo at the 2017 Easter Proclamation]
The Easter Proclamation (Pregonero de la Semana Santa)
One of the most memorable moments of our collaboration in the district was the historic 2017 Easter Proclamation in Santo Ángel. It was an event we planned for months through meetings between the Presidency of the Municipal Board (which I headed) and the President of the Brotherhood, Juan Jesús González. The confirmed attendance of the Bishop of Murcia elevated the event’s status, making it the most significant social event in our town in decades, attended by numerous public figures. Ballesta, true to his style of minding every detail, arranged for Sergio Díaz to come from Seville so that his voice—singing the saeta*—would give the proclamation an unparalleled spiritual strength, creating a memory that will always be a unicum in the history of Santo Ángel.
[Image Description: Photo of Ballesta’s visit to the El Amparo nursing home in Santo Ángel, 2017]
Ballesta ‘Applies the 155*’ in Santo Ángel
His connection to our village also passed through the convent and school of Villa Pilar, where his absence will be deeply felt due to the family ties and affection he always showed the institution. However, our direct relationship came to an end in April 2019, when José Ballesta, at the request of the party I represented, forced my departure from the mayoralty.
The press headlines at the time spoke of the Mayor “applying the 155” (a reference to Article 155 of the Spanish Constitution used to intervene in local governments*) in the district, marking the end of my time leading the Municipal Board. Despite that administrative end, his popular magnetism was undeniable. I remember witnessing the difference in how citizens treated him during the Romería de la Fuensanta (the pilgrimage of Murcia’s patron saint): while other political leaders passed by unnoticed or almost isolated, Ballesta was constantly surrounded by neighbors who cheered him as their “true mayor,” demonstrating a connection with the people that is hard to replicate.
[Image Description: A letter I received from him, with a photograph enclosed, expressing his affection]
His memory will always stay with me
Today, the political landscape faces evident uncertainty. There is no one in the current ranks who matches his eloquence or his leadership capacity. As an internal struggle looms to succeed his legacy, it is clear that Murcia has lost a figure who knew how to win elections thanks to a personal charisma that transcended political acronyms. Out of the respect that marked our meetings in La Glorieta* and the streets of my town, I will always cherish his memory.
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Explanation of some terms
*”Applying the 155“: This is a heavy political metaphor in Spain. It refers to Article 155 of the Constitution, which allows the central government to take control of an autonomous community. In this context, it was used by journalists to describe Ballesta’s bold move to intervene in the local administration of the Santo Ángel district.
Saeta: A mournful, soul-stirring religious song sung without instruments, usually from a balcony, as a religious procession passes by during Holy Week.
La Glorieta: The beautiful square in Murcia where the City Hall (Ayuntamiento) is located.
