Regional business leaders and Consel’s vice president gathered in Alicante this Monday for a first meeting since Crevillentina policy took over, replacing Mónica Oltra. Both sides noted differences, yet found a shared ground on issues like taxation and tourism levies, aiming to build bridges and open a dialogue between the nationalist establishment and the business sector.
And the reality is that neither side initiated a broad push on the problems they face, but the CEV delegation left the dinner with a strengthened sense of partnership. The Generalitat appears more inclined to engage in dialogue than its predecessor and shows greater willingness to listen to business concerns.
There was early agreement on topics that require cooperation, including informal economy, the need to cut red tape, and the opportunities presented by the green economy in the coming years. Sources close to the meeting indicate that the CEV requested the encounter, a move often made by employers when leadership changes occur. In addition to the chairman, Salvador Navarro, the organization’s vice presidents and Alicante CEV president Joaquin Perez, Benidorm hotelier president Tony Mayor, and the secretary general of the Elche employers association Ester Guilabert attended.
Entrepreneurs used the moment to probe details about the Consell’s planned tax reform. While the specifics remain undisclosed, questions centered on whether the reform would translate into increased financial pressure on the productive sector. Delegates also argued that the autonomy’s high revenue framework already imposes substantial taxation and expressed concern about widening disparities caused by wealth concentration.
Mas noted that any tax policy should avoid burdening the productive fabric, stressing that measures must not intensify inequality or strain business growth. The discussion touched on the balance between funding public services and safeguarding investment in the regional economy.
Toni Mayor, representing Hosbec, voiced a clear stance: a cautious approach to the tourist tax is wise, suggesting it could be paused for two or three years while the sector stabilizes. From the CEV side, opposition to the new tourist tax was reiterated, though the possibility of ongoing dialogue with industries was left open. The CEV vice president rejected the notion that the tax would trigger a wave of tourism-phobia and reaffirmed support for education initiatives within the sector.
Despite some differences, both parties characterized the meeting as private and productive, noting that it softened tensions between Consel’s Comprom wing and the business community. In a joint statement, they emphasized the importance of ongoing dialogue and cooperation to advance regional interests and signaled a commitment to finding common ground and scheduling further discussions.