A group of Alicante businessmen plans to take to the streets to protest against the national budget as it affects the Region and its share of state funds. They intend to carry their message to Madrid, calling for a public showing to highlight what they view as chronic underinvestment in the province.
This coordination was announced by ANSWER, the Chamber of Commerce, and the Alicante Institute for Economic Research (inca). They presented a shared front and invited all Alicante residents and civil society to join a response to a budget bill introduced in Congress last Thursday by Finance Minister María Jesús Montero. They argued that the proposed budgets would seriously undermine socio-economic development, public services, job competitiveness, employment, and social welfare in the province.
As a first step, the three organizations signed an agreement titled “To defend the social welfare of the citizens of the state of Alicante.” They rejected the central government’s statements as contrary to Alicante’s interests and its future. In the coming days a website will be launched to allow participation in the manifesto, either personally or through institutions and organizations.
The manifesto notes that funding destined for the Alicante province has shrunk over the years. For example, the 2021 General Government Budgets allocated 298.8 million to Alicante; that figure dropped to 183.6 million in 2022 and then to 160.8 million. Meanwhile, Alicante has seen rapid population growth since 2020 and remains a major contributor to Spain’s GDP.
They also pointed out that Alicante faced a 12.3% funding cut compared with the previous year, despite handling large budgets and generally greater regional investments. The joint statement warned that Alicante has among the lowest per capita incomes in Spain and ranks 44th out of 52 in overall measures, suggesting that further reductions in infrastructure investment would worsen an already unstable situation.
Several attendees—business leaders who are planning protest strategies against the state budget—emphasized the need for a broader, organized response.
In practical terms, this investment gap means that residents of Alicante will see limited returns. The analysis shows about 84.5 euros per person in new infrastructure investment, significantly below the national average, and the distribution history suggests Alicante has received far less than its fair share since 2008.
State investments: from 84.5 euros in Alicante to over 1100 euros in Soria
Alongside the manifesto, CEV Alicante, the Alicante Chamber, and the INECA board approved a meeting and a concentration in front of the Government sub-delegation in Alicante, followed by a press conference in Madrid. They stated that they will request compliance with the Transparency Law regarding the execution of budget items and the manner of presenting data.
CEV President Salvador Navarro spoke plainly, saying that Alicante does not deserve such budgets. He urged unity among society, business groups, trade unions, and local and regional government to press for changes to the budget project, which they believe fails to allocate adequate financing and investments.
Joaquín Pérez, president of CEV Alicante, underscored that mobilization is just the opening phase of a longer effort. He insisted that the province has been unfairly treated and that improvements are necessary. He announced upcoming actions to raise awareness of infrastructure needs and to push for commitments from national authorities to address the investment gap in Alicante.
Pérez also announced an invitation for the Minister of Transport, Mobility and Urban Agenda to visit El Altet airport to see firsthand the facility’s infrastructure needs, given its high passenger traffic. Mediterranean Corridor Commissioner Josep Vicent Boira asserted that they would travel to Alicante to explain current corridor works and would arrange a meeting with the Minister of State for Transport, Mobility and Urban Agenda to convey the investment shortfall to the ministry.
The Alicante Chamber’s president, Carlos Bath, described the province’s treatment as unacceptable. He warned that limiting growth opportunities, reducing company competitiveness, and endangering the future of residents pose a serious risk. CEV and the broader business and social fabric will mobilize to demonstrate that the situation is intolerable and to push for a fair budget for Alicante.
INECA’s president, Nacho Amirola, noted that regional investment remains the smallest share of the total and that Alicante has repeatedly occupied the last place in per-capita investments. He urged political leaders to shift their stance and to augment the budget with increased investments for Alicante, now that General Government Budgets are under discussion in Congress. He expressed gratitude to CEV for its leadership and its role in coordinating stakeholders to defend a fair budget for Alicante.
In addition to the chairs of CEV, CEV Alicante, Alicante and INECA, the group includes Asaja Alicante, CECAP, Hidraqua, Facpyme, Mármol de Alicante, Avecal, ANGED, Mercadona, Advanced Tertiary, AEPA, Masymas, FOPA, FEDACV, Fetrama, Costa Blanca, EDMAbec, Carmencita, AEFJ, Serprecova, APHA, Idex Group, Jovempa, Asucova, Uepal, Fempa, IFA, the Circle of IBIAE, Asemvega, Gesem, and Cedelco Golf Courses Association.
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