Led by Julian Munoz Palomo (also mayor of Marbella) Defying predictions of its demise, the Independent Liberal Group managed to retain control of the Marbella Council in the Costa del Sol in the May 2003 regional and municipal elections. The founder of GIL, Jesus Gil is described by his opponents as 'despotic and xenophobic' and is also accused of mafia links. He has been jailed on three separate occasions on corruption charges and barred from public office. GIL has no representation nationally. Apart from controlling Marbella, GIL is also strong in the north African Spanish enclaves of Melilla and Ceuta.

Led by Josep Anglada The anti-immigration Platform for Catalonia made unexpected gains in the May 2003 regional and municipal elections which were to elect mayors across the country and regional premiers in thirteen of the nation's seventeen autonomous regions. Platform for Catalonia, which campaigned on the slogan 'For better control of immigration', now controls the councils in Vic (Lleida province), Manlleu, Osona, Cervera (Segarra) and El Vendrell (Baix Penades).