The municipal plenary session expressed strong support for farmers and transporters, particularly those in Elche and its surrounding province, amid the ongoing tensions in France. French farmers have faced blockades and clashes with the state, impacting national products, and the council stood in solidarity with those affected on the ground in Elche.
In a motion presented by Mayor Pablo Ruz on behalf of all municipal groups, the plenary session conveyed a firm rejection of extortion against dozens of Elche residents and urged the Interior, Justice, and Agriculture ministries, as well as the Spanish Government, to pursue this matter. The deputies argued that the French authorities have protected shippers in the face of these confrontations. By approving the motion, the Elche City Council would become one of the first in the country to press the government to take action in the border region, applying pressure where it is most needed.
“Lazy inertia”
Ruz used the moment to criticize what he described as the Spanish Government’s “lazy inaction,” asserting that transport operators from Elche and elsewhere were facing threats, extortion, and mistreatment. The council noted that shipments of pomegranates and winter vegetables were at risk and shared information about a grenade company truck that had to turn back because its safety could not be guaranteed.
Vox joined the discussion, highlighting what it called long-standing unfair treatment of their residents and attributing it to neglect by the Spanish government.
For his part, supporters of socialist alignment argued that these events were cyclical and had occurred under various administrations. They stressed that there was no room for anti-European rhetoric in this discussion and framed the issue as a dispute between two member states. Héctor Díez, a socialist councilor, recalled that four days earlier the Central Government had condemned the situation and requested explanations from the French Government, while today it had mobilized to ensure security. The council reaffirmed its full support for Elche’s farmers.
“Lethal”
Ruz warned that the situation had persisted for four days and described it as a perilous process affecting transportation. He pressed the debate as a tool to criticize the central government’s handling of the matter. In the end, all groups backed this PP initiative, signaling unity on the need for urgent action near the border to safeguard local livelihoods.