Madrid brings together five former mayors and Almeida in a tribute to Tierno Galván that breaks the tension

Five former mayors and the current one gather at Casa de la Villa. The memory of Tierno Galván provides a pause from political acrimony. Harmony and respect mark an unusual event in the capital.

In a city accustomed to daily political conflict, Casa de la Villa has witnessed an unusual scene: former and current municipal leaders sharing space and respect, setting aside their differences. The reason, the tribute to Enrique Tierno Galván on the 40th anniversary of his death, brought together five of the seven mayors who have led Madrid since democracy: Juan Barranco, Alberto Ruiz-Gallardón, Ana Botella, Manuela Carmena and José Luis Martínez-Almeida.

For just over an hour, Madrid politics paused. Women and men councillors from every party, including opposition leaders Reyes Maroto and Rita Maestre, attended an event in which harmony was the protagonist. Pedro Montolíu, chronicler of the Villa, recalled Tierno Galván’s imprint on the city, from the removal of the Atocha scalextric to the internationalisation of the movida madrileña. He highlighted the serenity with which the old professor faced the challenges of his two terms in office.

Juan Barranco, Tierno Galván’s successor, recalled the social impact of his farewell and stressed that the coexistence he represented is still possible. Manuela Carmena took the opportunity to reflect on the need for education in local politics and the importance of listening even to those from whom it is not expected. For her, reducing confrontation is the first step towards improving the city’s political life.

Respect for opponents was a common point in the speeches. Ana Botella recalled the socialist with affection, stressing that he governed for all Madrid residents and that democracy must never be taken for granted. Ruiz-Gallardón shared his first meeting with Tierno Galván and praised his intellectual and personal honesty, especially congratulating the socialist family for his legacy.

The current mayor, José Luis Martínez-Almeida, insisted that courtesy is not enough and that affection and gratitude are also necessary. He described Tierno Galván as a catalyst capable of connecting with Madrid society and called for harmony to be more common in local politics. The final photograph, with mayors from different eras and political colours, sealed an unusual moment of truce in the capital.

Casa de la Villa, located in Plaza de la Villa, is one of the most emblematic historic buildings in central Madrid. For centuries it was the seat of the Ayuntamiento and the setting for key decisions for the city. Today, although municipal activity has largely moved to Cibeles, it remains a landmark for institutional events and tributes that connect Madrid’s memory with its present.

The Patio de Cristales of Casa de la Villa also hosted opposition spokespersons Reyes Maroto (PSOE) and Rita Maestre (Más Madrid), as well as chroniclers of the Villa and historic members of the socialist governing team.