Mayor of Murcia José Ballesta dies in office aged 67

The long-serving mayor and former university rector remained in office until his death after a battle with cancer

José Ballesta Germán, the mayor of Murcia city, has died at the age of 67 after a long battle with cancer, the City Council confirmed on Sunday May 10. 

In an official statement, they said the city had lost not only its mayor, but “a person who dedicated his life to public service, constant work and commitment to his neighbours.” Three days of official mourning were declared, flags will be flying at half-mast on municipal buildings and official events will be suspended.

He was born in Murcia on July 19, 1958. José Ballesta built a long career in both academia and politics. A professor of Medicine and Cellular Biology, he served as rector of the University of Murcia from 1998 to 2006 after previously working as vice-rector for Research and Infrastructure. He later entered politics with the Partido Popular (PP), serving as a regional MP, councillor, government spokesperson and eventually mayor of Murcia.

José Ballesta first became mayor in 2015 and went on to leave a lasting impact on the city through projects that modernised Murcia while protecting its history and identity. During his time in office, he promoted large-scale pedestrianisation projects such as Alfonso X, the Murcia Río regeneration along the Segura River, the recovery of historic and green spaces, and the restoration of important heritage sites, including San Esteban and Monteagudo’s “Fortresses of the Wolf King”.

Supporters often described him as tireless, highly demanding and deeply passionate about Murcia. He often referenced history, literature and philosophy in his speeches, and saw politics as a form of public education, influenced by his time as a university professor.

His political career was not without controversy or challenges. One of the darkest moments of his final term came after the deadly Atalayas nightclub fire in October 2023, which killed 13 people. Ballesta was at the scene from the beginning and became known nationally for his statement that those responsible would be held accountable “whoever falls”.

Despite political setbacks, including losing office in a 2021 no-confidence motion before returning with an absolute majority in 2023, Ballesta remained a dominant figure in Murcia politics. In recent years, he also oversaw important celebrations marking the city’s 1,200th anniversary and high-profile Christmas events that drew international attention to Murcia, including Richard Gere switching on the city’s Christmas lights.

Outside politics, Ballesta was known for his devotion to local traditions and Semana Santa processions.
Tributes have poured in from across Spain. PP leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo described him as “a great professional and a good person” who worked “until his final breath for Murcia and for his party”.

Regional president Fernando López Miras also posted an emotional tribute saying, “José Ballesta, Murcia’s eternal mayor. Murcia was far more than just his city, it was his life and his passion. He dedicated every day to making it greater, more prosperous and better for all Murcians, with hard work, warmth and a tireless commitment that he maintained until the very end. A man of integrity, and an example to all public servants. It has been an honour to work alongside him and learn from him. He will be greatly missed. May the Virgin of Fuensanta welcome him into Heaven. Rest in peace.”

Image: Ayuntamiento de Murcia