On May 15, two centuries ago, a pivotal moment shaped the province’s governance as the Diputación de Alicante began its long journey of service and adaptation to a changing society.
With determination, responsibility, and a clear purpose to enrich communities while honoring traditions, symbols, and distinctive traits, the institution has grown alongside the people it serves.
As the Spanish thinker José Ortega y Gasset asserted, progress requires big thinking and a long view. Yet progress also takes root at the local level, in the daily actions of communities and the people who collaborate across lines of division to achieve shared goals. These ideas illuminate how large-scale change starts in neighborhoods and towns, with concrete steps and coordinated effort .
Great actions arise from pivotal moments and from individuals who bring together collaborations across areas once considered separate. In this tradition, the liberal constitutional framework of 1812, known as La Pepa, marked the emergence of provincial assemblies and the subsequent creation and delimitation of our province’s lands .
Over its two centuries, the Diputación de Alicante has witnessed political, social, and economic transformations, overcoming countless tensions as the region evolved. Understanding the past’s ups and downs helps navigate the present and illuminate potential futures .
By embracing the broad vision our predecessors held, the men and women who came before built a legacy grounded in empathy, solidarity, and a commitment to freedom and equal opportunity for future generations. This foundation continues to guide decisions toward inclusive, well-planned growth and shared prosperity .
Ortega y Gasset also noted that opinions and beliefs shape a society’s maturity. A government grounded in values and ethical practice earns legitimacy and durability, permeating citizenship and daily life. These principles endure because they are woven into everyday actions and public life .
The central challenge for 21st-century municipal governance is preventing rural depopulation while cities expand and coastal towns absorb growth. In Alicante Province, 88 of 141 municipalities have fewer than 10,000 residents, underscoring the need for targeted support and strategic investment in infrastructure, culture, education, health, and the environment. Strengthening road links and safeguarding rural areas are essential parts of a broader plan to counter depopulation .
Allocating a substantial share of the annual budget to smaller towns creates a continuous cooperative framework that responds quickly to local needs, fostering resilient communities and better public services . Provincial assemblies, far from being relics, are agile, proximity-based authorities that promote practical policies and support city councils in building a balanced regional framework .
Those who resist the essential role these bodies play in daily life do not reflect current realities. The aim is not confrontation but constructive collaboration that preserves autonomy, expands freedom of action, and protects budgets for the people. The province stands as a steadfast partner for municipalities and the many mayors and councilors who safeguard residents’ well-being and safety .
Unity across political groups has yielded important investments and programs, proving that dialogue advances understanding and moderation. This collaborative spirit is foundational in maintaining the province’s dignity within the autonomous structure and ensuring its voice is heard at regional and national levels .
In recent years, Alicante has experienced meaningful growth and economic vitality, becoming one of Spain’s strongest regions with robust export activity and a solid gross domestic product footprint. This momentum strengthens the case for fair funding to support infrastructure networks, cultural and charitable initiatives, and healthcare facilities .
The province’s weight in the regional and national economy underscores the need for a distinctive role within the broader community. By advancing Alicante’s interests, the province contributes to the prosperity of the Valencian Community and Spain as a whole .
Water remains a core strategic resource. The Tajo-Segura transfer is a non-transferable safeguard for irrigation and regional livelihoods, a principle that must be defended through concrete actions, not slogans. The Diputación de Alicante stands with irrigation workers and farmers, advocating for their needs and supporting thousands of families dependent on water across the region .
As the province looks to the future, it honors the legacy of hundreds of provincial presidents and leaders who contributed to today’s prosperity. Figures like Pedro Zaragoza Orts, a beacon for the area and a beloved local leader, are remembered for their vision and service to Alicante . May 15, celebrated as a centennial tribute to such leaders, anchors the community to its roots while inspiring continued progress in Benidorm and beyond .
Looking ahead, the goals remain clear: pursue sustainability, digitalization, innovation, rural renewal, health improvements, and enhanced public services. The path is demanding, but with steadfast will, broad unity, and enduring passion, the province expects to meet these challenges and build a future that fills the region with pride for generations to come .