The latest Generalitat Budgets Monitoring Act failed to extend the inheritance tax bonus to all companies, regardless of size, despite the affirmative vote of PSPV, PP, Ciudadanos and Vox. In Alicante, family businesses view this as a stifling and abusive tax burden for both firms and citizens, and they are calling for broader tax relief to stimulate economic activity.
Maite Antón, head of Aefa, presented this position during the association’s general assembly, which also included discussion at the Provincial Meeting of Family Businesses. The call was for more investment in the province and for maintaining key transfers. The stance emphasizes the role of business leaders as guarantors of wealth creation and the welfare state, amid recent criticisms of Mercadona’s president Juan Roig by Podemos, although that discussion is not explicitly cited here.
It saddens Antón to see currents that publicly paint businessmen as part of the problem, when the opposite is often true. Those who describe these efforts as unjust say ignorance or populism is aimed at scoring votes, Antón argued.
A moment from the Aefa event at El Maestral restaurant is shown in a photo caption attributed to Pilar Cortes.
The head of Aefa argued that the employment created by companies sustains the welfare state and that policies which impede new ventures or increase financial strains are unacceptable. He described tax measures as suffocating, noting that they affect the largest economies among OECD members.
Antón spoke with greater firmness than usual, insisting that the solution is not to drown in taxes but to generate more wealth and activity so more people can advance in their professions rather than face unsustainable hardship. He spoke in the presence of the provincial president, Carlos Mazon, and the deputy government representative, Araceli Poblador, among others.
Zero tolerance for corruption and harassment: This is the new code of ethics for family businesses.
The concern about citizen needs such as shelter, food, and rest is linked to how businesses are taxed. Antón stressed that the current tax systems, if misused, create the burden felt by citizens, not the other way around. He urged parties to reach consensus ahead of elections to extend the inheritance tax bonus, a longstanding demand from the organization. Until now, the regional discount applied only to firms with turnover under 10 million.
Aefa participants at a round table during the event are shown in a photo caption credited to Pilar Cortes.
On the other hand, the Aefa president called for ending discrimination in state Budgets. He reminded everyone that adequate infrastructure and public services are essential for keeping local companies competitive. After recalling mobilizations last fall demanding changes, he stated that the organization would continue to raise its voice until the injustice is corrected.
AEFA shows its support for concentrations in Alicante to demand more investment from the State
The discussion also touched on water resources, with emphasis on fair distribution and careful planning so that growth does not stall. The Elche representative noted that without water the region has little future, underscoring the importance of a smooth Tajo-Segura transfer.
The State Assembly speaker, Carlos Mazón, commended Aefa for defending the province’s interests. Carlos Mendoza, head of the Valencia Community and Region Department for Banco Santander, highlighted values such as progress for people, companies, and society.
A photo caption shows Colonel Pedro Baños delivering a lecture, with Pilar Cortes credited for the image.
The Alicante Family Companies II event featured a lecture by Army Colonel Pedro Baños, who provided geopolitical and geoeconomic analysis of the current panorama. Baños described a world in transition and noted that China is coordinating efforts across several regions, potentially challenging the dollar’s dominance.
The roundtable also included Saray Muñoz, co-owner of Grupo Tenepa; Santiago Royo, CEO of Invest Corporation; and Pepe Escobar, general manager of Neoflex Adhesives. The discussion was moderated by Mayte Torregrosa, Marketing Director at Gibeller.
New partners were announced. The president, Maite Antón, reported that Aefa closed the year with 174 members, marking a new joint record. Notable member companies include Alehop, Aluminum y PVC, Balearia, Bateig Piedra Natural, Beniconnect, Cayro, Compañía Levantina de Reductores, Hersig, Indalva, Josep Llorca Construcciones, La Grajera, MPC Group, PVC, and Restaura Forty Gestión.