The document released on Tuesday by the Valencian Community Business Confederation (CEV) presents the outcomes of work conducted across 23 sector commissions, with the involvement of close to a thousand business leaders. The report emphasizes that each proposed measure plays a key role in driving the region’s economic and social growth, creating jobs, and maintaining competitiveness. It is intended to serve as a practical tool for those responsible for forming government policies.
Among the priority recommendations, the report urges delaying or repealing newly approved taxes that could affect competitiveness, such as environmental levies. The proposal also calls for a full exemption from Wealth Tax, arguing that current fiscal burdens hamper production both domestically and globally.
In the same section, the CEV advocates repealing the tourism tax, describing it as an outdated and burdensome measure that harms the development of this sector, especially given the current sensitive socioeconomic context.
Questions about the Tagus-Segura water transfer arise due to the significant consequences that interruptions could have for Alicante. From the business perspective, a strong defense of strategic water infrastructures—covering supply, use, treatment, recycling, and desalination—should be pursued when economically and environmentally viable.
neglect
Infrastructure receives special attention from CEV. Alicante, a priority region highlighted by the association, is described as suffering from pronounced neglect by the central government, a concern reflected in the budget documents. The report proposes creating an observatory for the Valencian Community that includes both administration and socio-economic entities to monitor needed actions. Navarro urged the government’s vice president not to halt the expansion of the Port of Valencia and to improve road and rail access to other ports of general interest, including Alicante, while also seeking to streamline the Mediterranean and Cantabrian corridors.
Another essential item is reforming the regional financing model so the Community receives funds proportional to its population and development, ensuring progress is not hindered. The report also calls for debt forgiveness accumulated over years of underfunding.
Priorities include creating an underground economy observatory, implementing measures to combat this phenomenon, fostering public-private partnerships to deliver high-quality public services, and advancing a decarbonization strategy that supports renewable energy.
coincidences
When asked whether the election proposals from the PP or the PSOE were more appealing, Navarro noted that many ideas had moved from the CEV tax commission to broader political discussions. He observed there are both coincidences and differences with Botánico, asserting that proposals could come from any party and still align with core objectives.
Criticism of parity law
Navarro, president of the Valencian Community Business Confederation and vice-president of the national employers association, has criticized the law mandating equal representation in leadership boards of large companies. He stressed that mandatory measures are not well received and questioned the intent behind them, according to reports from Europa Press.
During a press conference outlining CEV’s priorities for the 28M elections, Navarro commented on public questions that, like many laws, the parity rule is compulsory, which he views as problematic and potentially undermining company autonomy in decision-making.
He also addressed gender leadership initiatives, noting progress in female representation and talent while expressing concern that pressure to promote women could be perceived as coercive. He added that some vice presidents within the CEOE share a cautious stance on these mandates.