Paula Alvarellos, the mayor of Lugo, Galicia, tragically died on Saturday morning at the age of 63 after suffering from cardiac arrest the previous evening.
According to reports from the Galician Socialist Party (PSdeG), Alvarellos fell ill just moments before she was scheduled to deliver the opening remarks at the city's Carnaval celebration. Although she received immediate medical attention on-site from fellow politicians, including PP member Aurora Goas, who is also a health professional, and her party colleague Olga López Racamonde, it became evident she was seriously unwell.
Initially, as she experienced mild dizziness, Alvarellos didn’t seem overly concerned, and neither did her associates, who believed she could just be experiencing another common ailment. Earlier, she had been suffering from the flu, as mentioned during Thursday's city council meeting. Her condition, exacerbated by the virus, and her collapse at the Carnaval's commencement left everyone shocked.
After being transported to Hospital Universitario Lucus Augusti (HULA) for evaluation, doctors conducted several tests, including catheterization, which revealed severe heart damage. Consequently, she was immediately transferred to the Complexo Hospitalario Universitario de A Coruña (Chuac) for more specialized treatment. Despite the medical efforts, Alvarellos didn’t survive the surgical procedure and was pronounced dead shortly thereafter.
Born on December 1, 1963, Alvarellos was well-regarded as both a dedicated public servant and legal professional, serving her community through various capacities. She became Lugo's mayor only last year, taking office in January 2024 after Lara Méndez stepped down to pursue regional office. During her brief tenure, Alvarellos focused on notable infrastructure projects and enhancing governmental operations, including the launch of significant urban developments.
The news of her sudden passing has sparked widespread sorrow across Galicia and Spain. Spain's Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez, and Minister María Jesús Montero were among the first to publicly express their condolences. "Her loss is sudden, unjust, and painful, but her impact will remain everlasting," said the PSdeG, mourning the loss of their exemplary leader.
José Ramón Gómez Besteiro, the PSdeG's secretary general, paid tribute to Alvarellos on social media, stating, "Today we say goodbye to Paula, our dear friend and committed mayor of Lugo, who lived for her city. It is heartbreaking and too soon." His post underscored her dedication to social justice and exemplified her fervor for community development.
Colleagues and citizens alike shared memories and tributes, reminiscing about her approachable nature and strong leadership skills. Alvarellos was known for fostering collaboration and was deeply invested in the welfare of Lugo and its citizens.
Alvarellos had also worked tirelessly to improve local government transparency and efficiency. Under her leadership, various administrative reforms were initiated, including enhancing electronic governance and streamlining internal procedures, efforts she ardently championed as the head of human resources.
“Paula’s commitment to citizens was evident in all her initiatives,” said Olga López Racamonde, who was present during Alvarellos's medical emergency. “She was more than just our mayor; she was our friend and advocate.” Her presence at the community level was felt deeply, often seen walking through city streets engaging with individuals and groups, showing her dedication to the people she served.
Political reactions poured out on social media following the announcement of her death, with many municipal leaders expressing their grief. The mayor of A Coruña, said, “Lugo has lost not only its mayor but also one of the most devoted public servants,” encapsulating the sentiments shared by many.
The passing of Alvarellos has raised significant conversations on the mental and physical pressures faced by public officials. Friends and colleagues echoed the importance of prioritizing health and wellness among those serving at the community's forefront.
Already, plans for the upcoming Carnaval festivities have been halted out of respect, and the Lugo city council is expected to observe several days of mourning. The local community is uniting to honor their late mayor, acknowledging her imprint on the city.
Your tributes and memories are welcome as Lugo collectively reflects on the life and contributions of Paula Alvarellos. Her leadership will long be remembered as both impactful and constructive, with citizens eager to continue her vision for Lugo’s future.
The loss of Alvarellos not only resonates with her family, friends, and political allies but resonates throughout Galicia, marking the end of one chapter and the hope for another inspired by her legacy.