Paula Alvarellos, the Mayor of Lugo, tragically passed away on the morning of Saturday, March 1, 2025, after suffering from a heart attack the previous evening. Alvarellos, aged 61, had been attending the pregón of the Entroido (Carnaval) festivities when she experienced dizziness just prior to the event.
Witnesses report she was swiftly attended by fellow council members, including Aurora Goas, a medical professional, and Olga López, who provided immediate care until emergency services arrived. Despite being initially stabilized at the Hospital Universitario Lucus Augusti (HULA), her condition deteriorated, leading to her transfer to the Complexo Hospitalario Universitario de A Coruña (Chuac), where she succumbed to complications from the heart attack.
President Pedro Sánchez expressed his deep sorrow on social media, stating he was "deeply saddened and shocked" by the unexpected death of his close colleague. "Her loss is a tremendous blow for the socialist family," he added, highlighting her dedication to the improvements of Lugo and describing her as "progressive, combative, and committed."
Alvarellos was born on Ponteceso, A Coruña, and held degrees in law from the Universidade de Santiago de Compostela (USC). Before her foray back to politics, she practiced as a lawyer, and she was actively involved with the Concepción Arenal Association, which focuses on the social reintegration of former prisoners.
She entered local politics with the PSOE (Partido Socialista Obrero Español) during the 2019 elections, where she was elected as deputy mayor under the leadership of Lara Méndez, the first-ever female mayor of Lugo. Following Méndez's resignation to run for the Galician Parliament, Alvarellos assumed the mayoral role on January 18, 2024, making her the second female mayor of Lugo, following her predecessor.
Throughout her brief yet impactful tenure, Alvarellos worked diligently to tackle pressing issues within the city, including the stalled urban development projects and the city’s budgetary constraints, which had forced recent tax increases. The socialist council noted her commitment, stating, "Her loss is hard, unfair, and unexpected. But her legacy will remain indelible as we strive to honor her contributions by working responsively and diligently for the city she loved." They appreciated her long-standing dedication to supporting solutions for the city’s challenges.
Alfonso Rueda, President of the Xunta, also shared his shock over Alvarellos's passing. “Always worked for Lugo with loyalty and dedication,” he wrote, expressing condolences to the family and the entire Lugo community. Political figures across the spectrum expressed deep respect for her character and work ethic.
Following her passing, the City Council announced the cancellation of all planned Carnival festivities as tributes poured in from various sectors of local community and representatives from different levels of government, underscoring the collective mourning of her unexpected departure.
Paula Alvarellos's tenure was not just marked by her administrative capabilities but also her warm, approachable demeanor. The community echoes the esteem she garnered, noting she was not merely their mayor but she was also valued as an active member of the community, always ready to lend support where needed.
With her commitment to fostering positive relationships within the District and her focus on revitalizing Lugo’s approach to Urban Planning and Resources, the city has lost not just its leader but also someone who fought tenaciously for its future. Alvarellos was lauded by her peers, with one member saying, "She gave everything for her city." Her impact will undoubtedly continue to resonate throughout Lugo, as her constituents reflect on the positive changes enacted under her leadership.
Alvarellos had expressed concerns about her health recently, struggling with flu-like symptoms leading up to the event. Yet she persevered, attending functions as her commitment to public service remained evident. The pregnant atmosphere during the Carnaval pregón was altered dramatically by the shocking news of her passing, embodying the difficult realities sometimes faced by public servants.
Her sudden death has sparked conversations about prioritizing health and wellness among public officials, and many are urging for more support and awareness concerning health issues faced by those who serve the public. Alvarellos’s story serves as both inspiration and reminder of the dedication required of those wanting to lead and serve their communities.
Born and raised in Ponteceso, Alvarellos spent decades deeply rooted in Lugo. She will be remembered for her spirited commitment, progressiveness, empathetic approach to leadership, and her relentless push for the advancement of society and community she held dear. Her legacy will serve as both motivation for her successors and as hope for continued progress within Lugo.