The Alicante State Labor Union, known as UEPAL, marked its annual gathering with a renewed pledge to blend political action and commercial resilience. The aim is to safeguard not only public measures and subsidy programs but also the companies and groups most exposed to eroding purchasing power. The message centers on strengthening the province’s assets through a robust alliance with the Alicante Chamber of Commerce and the Alicante Provincial Council, underscoring that the business and economic sectors must be able to rely on these institutions to weather downturns.
Juan José Sellés, who leads UEPAL, warned about looming economic risks that could intensify if not addressed. He cited inflation, higher interest rates, escalating energy costs, disrupted international logistics, declining demand, and mounting fiscal pressure as indicators of a fragile trajectory. These concerns frame UEPAL’s call for proactive measures to cushion local firms from shocks and to protect social groups whose purchasing power is slipping, with the ultimate objective of preventing vulnerability among residents.
From UEPAL’s perspective, a crisis that remains under control creates space for protection and a responsive safety net for communities most affected. The organization argues that stabilizing the economy requires targeted actions to preserve livelihoods while sustaining social cohesion and dignity for all residents, especially those most at risk of being left behind.
Confronted with present economic headwinds, Sellés urged regional cohesion policies that explicitly foster collaboration across districts. He emphasizes the need to establish cooperative spaces and synergies guided by regional authorities in concert with the central state. He also advocates stronger integration of the cities of Elche and Alicante, viewing it as a catalyst for more balanced regional development.
Sellés framed the Alicante-Elche functional region as a key economic engine, essential for the province’s growth and for achieving balance within the broader community. He argued that recognizing Alicante as a major hub for industry and commerce in Spain and Europe requires solid commitments—first, a clear determination to build territorial integrity, and second, investments in infrastructure that unlock long-term prosperity.
In a related thread, UEPAL called for continued cooperation ahead of the central government’s decision to suspend Tajo-Segura water transfers to Alicante. Sellés described the ministry’s stance as a direct signal challenging the agricultural model of the province and the principle of state solidarity that supports rural livelihoods and regional resilience.
The organization’s leadership also pressed political representatives for a decisive response that would establish a durable management framework protecting farmers’ rights. They argued that while promises and messages recur, actual support for Tagus resources to the province has declined over the years, complicating farm operations and future profitability.
During the closing remarks, Joaquín Pérez, chair of CEV Alicante, echoed calls for sustained dedication and joint action among all business leaders. He urged the province to advocate its interests not only with Valencia and Madrid but, if necessary, before Brussels, stressing the importance of a united front for regional development and competitiveness.
Sellés also announced a mobilization organized by Asaja-Alicante and allied groups, planned for May 17, to spotlight the erosion of competitiveness in the province’s primary sector. He warned that changes in policy and resource allocation could impair the sector’s ability to compete in national and European markets if corrective steps are not taken promptly.
According to Sellés, proposed increases in ecological flows within the Tagus basin could lead to a significant revenue reduction for irrigation. The Hydrographic Confederation’s measures would potentially cut 105 million euros and impact 27,314 hectares of crops, threatening more than 6,000 jobs in the region of Alicante. He framed this scenario as a direct challenge to local agriculture and a call for policy adjustments that balance environmental stewardship with regional livelihoods (Attribution: UEPAL).”