The initiative, launched this Monday, aims to distance itself from ideological bloc confrontation and focus "exclusively on the capital's problems". Higueras argued that the project is born to "fix an abnormality happening in Madrid", where, in her view, debate is too focused on national issues, hindering the resolution of daily matters.
Higueras emphasized that municipal politics should be measured by results, not confrontation. She noted that there are 8,000 independent municipal councilors and about 400 mayors in Spain governing with similar formations, asserting that 'Independientes por Madrid' "was not a whim".
The goal is to build a space open to citizen participation. Interested individuals are encouraged to join via the website to propose ideas for the program. A more detailed project is expected by late September, following a summer of meetings with social, economic, and neighborhood groups.
“"Madrid deserves its own voice. One that puts the city above all else: your street, your neighborhood, your daily life. Above the blocs and with respect, because what unites us is not a flag: it is Madrid."
Before making the project public, Higueras contacted all municipal groups, including Mayor José Luis Martínez-Almeida, as well as representatives from Más Madrid and Vox, describing the gesture as "institutional loyalty" and stating that conversations were conducted with mutual respect.
A central pillar will be reviving the culture of agreement in the City Council, criticizing systematic negative voting. Higueras recalled the Villa Agreements during the pandemic as proof that consensus is possible when the general interest prevails. The project is willing to support "reasonable" initiatives on issues like cleaning, mobility, housing, or public transport.
The new party aims to attract disillusioned voters and those who abstain, aiming to inspire those who stop voting because they "don't care who governs, they just want things to work." Higueras dismisses comparisons to previous projects, asserting that 'Independientes por Madrid' has its own identity, is "absolutely municipalist and independent," with no national or regional aspirations.
The logo for 'Independientes por Madrid' symbolizes the construction of a collective project that will grow by "walking" through the city's neighborhoods, focusing exclusively on the capital.
