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
Address
Plaza Cardenal Belluga. Edificio Ayuntamiento 30004 MURCIATel: 968 358 749
Oficina de Turismo de Murcia
For dedicated Murcia City section with exhibition and cultural programmes and general tourism information, Click MURCIA CITY.
The Tourist office in Plaza Belluga is the main tourist office for the city and is conveniently located opposite the Cathedral and close to the Glorieta underground car parking.
The tourist office is open from Monday to Saturday 10am to 7pm and Sundays from 10am to 2pm
Telephone number: 968 358 749
Click for map, Plaza Belluga Murcia
Tourist information points:
Santa Clara
Maps of the city and leaflets are also available from the Tourist Information point in Calle Santa Clara, which is just behind the Teatro Romea and close to the Plaza de Santo Domingo.
This is open from Monday to Friday from 4.30pm to 8.30pm, on Saturdays from 10am to 2pm and 4.30pm to 8.30pm and on Sundays and Festival days from 10am to 2pm.
Click for map, Calle Santa Clara.
Information point Juan Carlos I
Avda. Juan Carlos I. In the ground level of the Pabellón Principe de Asturias.
Opening Time : From Monday to Friday, 4.30pm to 8.30pm and Saturdays 10am to 2pm
Click for map, Avenida Juan Carlos I, Murcia
Information point Jardin de Floridablanca ( from beginning of June 2014)
Jardín de Floridablanca,
This information point is being co-operated with the commercial association representing the area and will give information in English and Spanish between the hours of 4.30pm to 8.30pm from Monday to Friday, from 10am to 2pm and 4.30pm and 8.30pm on Saturdays, then 10am to 2pm on Sundays.
Click for map, Jardín de Floridablanca, Murcia
Murcia city is the capital city of the Region of Murcia and has a wide tourism offering, both in the urban centre and in the natural parklands and fertile orchards which surround it. The city owes its existence to the River Segura which attracted the earliest settlers to the river valley, with Iberian remains at the Sanctuary of la Luz, Roman agricultural settlements at Monteagudo, La Alberca and Murtia, then the city itself founded by the Moors in 825AD.
The remains of the past can be seen in the Murcia Archaeological Museum, the Museo de la Ciudad, The Watermill Museum, the Muralla de Santa Eulalia and the Monastery of Santa Clara. As time moved on, Murcia grew into a splendid Baroque City, its magnificent Cathedral, Iglesia de San Juan de Dios and Salzillo Museum reflecting this era of splendour.
The city is rich in traditions, Semana Santa, the Bando de la Huerta, Burning of the sardine, Fiestas de la 
Primavera, Moors and Christians celebrations adding to the annual Jazz Festival, Folk Festival, Murcia Tres Culturas and many other musical and cultural events to be enjoyed by visitors to the city.
It also has many natural parks and public spaces, as well as the Terra Natura Wildlife park, and its pedanías a varied offering of walking and river sports activities, as well as providing a central base from which to explore the Region of Murcia.
The new International Airport of the Region of Murcia also lies within the Murcian pedanía of Corvera, and the city is well connected via rail and major road networks.
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