Malaga mayor Francisco de la Torre has confirmed he will stand for re-election next May, seeking another term that could see him remain in office beyond the age of 84.

In a campaign video on X, the now-83-year-old is seen donning a tracksuit and backpack as he walks through the Costa del Sol city – insisting he is the right person to take on the city’s ‘big challenges’.

He acknowledges the importance of housing as a key issue, while declaring that after 26 years as mayor: ‘Yes, I’m going to run again.’

He adds: ‘I’m prepared to dedicate all of my time, attention and energy to Malaga, now more than ever, as long as I have my health, I’ll be here.’

De la Torre, who has led Malaga under the conservative Partido Popular (PP) since 2000, said he still feels able to continue serving the city after weeks of speculation over his political future.

If re-elected, it would mark his seventh electoral victory as the PP’s candidate. He has won six consecutive elections, four of them by an outright majority.

Now Spain’s oldest mayor of a major city, De la Torre has become closely associated with Malaga’s transformation over the past quarter of a century.

His administration is widely credited with helping turn Malaga into one of the country’s fastest-growing cities through investment in culture, tourism and technology, attracting major names including the Pompidou Centre and Google.

At the 2023 local elections, De la Torre secured another absolute majority after winning 49% of the vote and 17 of the city’s 31 council seats.

Although he has previously insisted that anyone standing as mayor should be prepared to serve a full four-year term, he has now acknowledged that a successor could take over before the next election if necessary.

His choice of deputy on the election list is therefore expected to be closely watched.

Despite his enduring popularity, De la Torre’s long tenure has not been without controversy.

Critics argue that the rapid transformation of Malaga into a global tourist and technology hub has fuelled soaring house prices, gentrification and an affordability crisis that is increasingly forcing local residents out of the city centre.

Others have questioned whether, at 84, it is time for a new generation of leadership after more than a quarter of a century in office.

De la Torre has acknowledged for the first time that he may not serve a full four-year term if re-elected, making the identity of his eventual successor one of the biggest talking points ahead of next year’s election.

Reaction among locals on social media was sharply divided following De la Torre’s announcement.

Many praised the veteran mayor, with one person writing: ‘He is the best mayor Malaga has ever had,’ while another said: ‘If he continues, it’s because the people of Malaga want him to. Voters will decide.’

Others, however, argued it is time for change.

‘Retire already,’ one critic wrote, while another claimed he had ‘destroyed Malaga forever’ through soaring house prices and gentrification.

Several also mocked the slow progress on the long-promised new football stadium, with one user joking it would not be built until ‘2065’.

Read more Andalucia news at the Spanish Eye.