The latest dispute involving the Ministry of Economy in the Alicante region centers on Fundesem Business School after the Valencian Institute of Economic Competitiveness Ivace moved to end the lease of its headquarters, which also functioned as a business center. The dispute is currently paused as the school works on a viability plan aimed at continuing operations from the property it presently occupies, seeking a path to stability while negotiations unfold.
The confrontation began last June when Ivace decided to terminate the contract and demanded that Fundesem settle a rent debt totaling 1.65 million euros accrued since 2012. The move came despite Fundesem presenting a repayment offer through an agreement with the European University, which would see some facilities transferred as part of the deal. That proposed resolution, however, did not succeed in moving the matter forward.
The decision by Ivace to pursue the eviction has drawn criticism from the Alicante City Council and the broader business community. In response, Minister Rafa Climent and the city’s mayor, Luis Barcala, agreed to give Fundesem another chance to present an alternative plan but requested an immediate payment of 600,000 euros to the Generalitat. This step reflected the urgency to reduce the outstanding balance in the short term while a longer-term solution was explored.
Considering that the foundation carried additional debts that pushed the total to 2.5 million euros, the legal entity chose to file for voluntary bankruptcy, citing the increased risk of a creditor-initiated court claim. This development coincided with the European University’s decision to withdraw from the contract signed the previous year, due to the inability to commence the upcoming course, alongside Ivace’s insistence on continuing the contract termination process.
Despite these challenges, Fundesem’s leadership has not conceded defeat. The directive, led by Cayetano Sánchez Butrón, is drafting an implementation plan with the aim of presenting it by month’s end or early next month. Sánchez Butrón emphasizes that the school does not intend to abandon its activities in the current location, noting that if a revised arrangement is pursued, it would involve a leaner operation and a smaller staff. His message remains clear: the organization plans to persevere in the spirit of dialogue. The minister has also indicated readiness to explore a redirection that would allow the building to continue serving as an education center, regardless of the final outcome, underscoring a commitment to maintain educational functions in the space while discussions continue.