Alhaurin Mayor: From tragedy to unity, he will not allow politics divide his town

Alhaurin: A month of tragedy and profound loss

A small town was devastated by a terrible tragedy at the end of 2025, and beginning of 2026. Two teenagers (15 and16 years old) were killed in a fire at a home on Christmas Morning. A flash flood killed the two men a few days later. Then, less than a month afterward, on January 24, British mother-of-three Victoria Hart, 33, was allegedly murdered by her ex-partner in her home, in front of her children – an act of gender-based violence that shocked the community and drew international attention.

“For a place as small as Alhaurin el Grande, it was full of a lot of pain and sadness,” Bermúdez Beltrón reflects. “Apart from the sadness caused by the other tragedies, what was most shocking about Victoria’s death was how incomprehensible it was. Victoria’s death is murder. The other tragedies were tragic accidents. It is impossible to understand in a place like this. “It was extremely difficult to handle.” He highlights one silver lining: “It’s difficult to take away something positive from any of this, but the unity the people of Alhaurin el Grande showed – that was good.”

Who is Anthony Bermúdez Beltrón?

Born in France to a father from Alhaurin el Grande and a mother from Madrid, Bermúdez Beltrón spent his early years in a multicultural environment which would stand him in good stead. He and his siblings were both born in France, where his parents emigrated. This early exposure to other cultures shaped Bermudez Beltron’s sensitivity towards diversity.

He returned to Spain as an Erasmus student, studying between Université Lyon and the University of Seville. In 1997/1998 he chose to stay and pursue a history doctorate while starting his teaching career.

When asked if he feels more French or Spanish, Bermúdez Beltrón is unequivocal: “There’s no debate in my family. We have always been very Spanish, but we are still very grateful to France for the education that I received.

A historian (graduated from Université Lyon II in 1998), he worked in secondary education from 2004 to 2023 as a teacher, vice-director, head of studies, and eventually director (headmaster) of IES Valle del Sol in nearby Álora. He continues to teach history in Alhaurin el Grande. He says, “I am a history teacher by profession and I will die as a historian.”

Distance from Madrid politics

In 2005, he began his political career. He was elected as a councillor and later became local leader for his group. However, he became frustrated by the national party’s influence. He explains, “I didn’t wanted to be a puppet for the national party.” Sceptics questioned his ability to create an independent party. He succeeded by forming 100% Alhaurin. A core principle was established from the beginning: “Nobody would live on politics, and no one would do politics for their living.”

On June 17, 2023 he became mayor, and formed a coalition. He formed this alliance after the election with other parties, insisting that everyone would agree on local priorities being placed above national divisions. In the last few years, national parties have been weakened. Many independent local parties have also emerged. Local politics cannot be influenced by national politics. People are tired of politics.”

Bermúdez Beltrón observes a broader trend of declining voter engagement. Referencing low turnout in recent elections, including around 60 per cent in Castilla y León’s regional vote and even lower in France’s local ones. “In Alhaurin el Grande the turnout still is quite high.” It is evident that in the last few years, voting rates have decreased everywhere. It appears that people have less faith in politics.

Moving forward

The mayor is aware of the limitations of a four year term. “A four-year term is short because it takes time to accomplish big things. You feel like you’re in a constant election campaign. That’s not good.” Sometimes, funding is needed to make progress. Recently, the town’s financial situation has turned positive. “Now, we’re in a good position. “We will start to see good things in 2026 and 2027,” he says. Residents are set to vote once again in May of 2027.

Bermúdez Beltrón continues serving as a public educator and dedicated local leader and is enjoying a popularity among the people rare in today’s polarised political forum.