Miguel Gómez Ijalba, a former councilman and secretary general of the Partido Riojano (PR), has rejoined regional politics as the spokesperson for Por La Rioja (PLRi).
Gómez Ijalba expressed disillusionment with mainstream politics, criticizing parties as being detached from regional needs and driven by marketing. He specifically criticized his former party, the PR, under Rubén Antoñanzas's leadership, for focusing too much on Logroño and neglecting other areas, claiming their policies did not represent the interests of La Rioja.
Gómez Ijalba highlights PLRi as a platform encompassing various perspectives and views it as a valuable option for voters in La Rioja. While not confirming or denying a potential candidacy in the upcoming 2027 elections, he expressed willingness to consider it if proposed by his colleagues. His immediate focus is contributing to the party's success under Sonsoles Soriano's leadership.