Alfaro urges all municipal tools to fight inflation
In the Valencian Community, after regional and municipal elections on 28 May, the Popular Party and PSPV-PSOE face a pivotal moment: steering the Valencian Federation of Municipalities and Provinces (FVMP). The balance of power in Valencia City Council could decide whether the federation stays in left hands or shifts to the right. Rubén Alfaro, the socialist mayor of Elda and eight-year president of the FVMP, seeks to extend his leadership as long as the left remains influential. He states, “I am at your disposal for my party’s decision. If they keep backing municipalism, I will celebrate,” a remark tied to a vote that, overall, has not favored socialist interests in these elections.
Alfaro presses for using every municipal tool to curb inflation
Valencia City Council stands as the central authority capable of guiding PSPV, whose future hinges on the party’s trajectory. For the moment, Ens Uneix, led by Jorge Rodríguez, has paused negotiations with PSPV and PP for one week to determine the fate of the Valencia state agency. In a strategic chess match between two dominant groups, Carlos Mazón, the lead Popular figure and a potential future president of the Generalitat, has stepped into the spotlight to outpace rivals shaped by prior events. He is identified as a provincial mayor who acts as a counterforce and representative before the regional president.
The FVMP is set for an assembly in October, with control hotly contested by PSPV and PP. Both sides see real opportunities, keeping socialist ranks attentive to the FVMP’s outcome. This institution wields considerable influence over how votes are distributed within regional organizations, including municipalities, councils, and associations, with weight tied to population. Assembly votes reflect control of each institution, and council votes carry a significant margin—about 25% more than those of state capitals. It’s notable that Alicante and Castellón assemblies, along with the three provincial capitals, are currently held by PP.
corrected result
Affirmations suggest PSPV could lead the Valencia State Assembly if Ens Uneix’s decision aligns with their path. The outcome of the FVMP remains tight. If the PSPV aligns with Compromís mayors, a stable course could be sustained, according to Alfaro. When asked about the possibility of continuing as FVMP head, he notes that his role began at the suggestion of Ximo Puig. If the leadership is deemed the best option and municipalism should continue to be represented, he would stay dedicated to the party and ongoing projects.
Looking ahead, Alfaro highlights a major objective: preserving European funds to support investments across Valencia’s municipalities and the broader Valencian Community. He stresses the importance of policies addressing depopulation, noting FVMP’s close cooperation with Generalitat initiatives. Programs like Agenda Avant and, more recently, Route 99 illustrate collaboration across levels of government to bolster local resilience.
FVMP challenges
1 European funds. A core aim for the FVMP is to safeguard European funding streams so municipalities can continue receiving resources for meaningful projects. “We’ve invested considerable time and effort here to stay ready,” says Alfaro, the federation’s president.
2 Depopulation policies. FVMP maintains close cooperation with Generalitat-supported projects such as Agenda Avant and Route 99 to counter rural decline and strengthen regional vitality.
3 Local government personnel. A key four-year hurdle is refreshing local government staff, as many technicians approach retirement. The federation calls for bringing in young talent and new profiles to support operations, with ongoing studies conducted with universities to address workforce needs.
4 Tourist tax. While the PP has signaled plans to abolish the tourist tax in the Community of Valencia, FVMP has debated whether a tax on overnight stays should be kept or adjusted. Members have voiced varied positions, sometimes diverging from Botànic’s broader approaches.