The protests against budget discrimination affecting the province within the General Government Budgets took a decisive turn. The Fair Finance Platform, representing the participating groups including PSPV-PSOE, the Valencia Community business community, and their unions, prepared to mobilize. A unified gathering before the Government Sub-Delegation in Alicante was set for November 18 to press for greater state investments in the region. Yet the platform asked the Chamber to join this protest and to cancel the unilateral plan for the following day, something the PP avoided. Because the date overlapped with wage-focused mobilizations by the unions, their attendance would have been difficult, and the unions’ presence was deemed crucial to energize the protest (Fair Finance Platform notes).
The campaign to secure a fair budget deal for Alicante drew support from business leaders and eventually brought together political groups and trade unions. This was confirmed at a Valencia meeting on Friday, where the Fair Finance Platform, after consulting its members, assessed the long-standing funding shortfalls affecting the Community and, in particular, the province of Alicante, and emphasized the need for a united response within the framework of the platform (Platform statement).
The first agreement called for exhausting all channels of dialogue already mobilized and requesting another meeting with Government delegate Pilar Bernabé to report on commitments, including 75 million euros to be included in provincial budgets. A second result involved submitting partial changes by all parties (joint communique). The decisions reached, regardless of later developments, included holding a meeting on the 18th, coinciding with the mass demonstration’s fifth anniversary demanding fair funding for the Community. The platform said this mobilization would renew its manifesto, calling for changes in the financing model, investment weights aligned with population, and the cancellation of resulting debt, with a focus on addressing Alicante’s heavy investment burden (Platform minutes).
There was broad agreement, except for the PP, which resisted urging Oda to withdraw the March 3 call. Regional president Carlos Mazón left before the meeting ended and was later substituted by César Sánchez. The joint release was to be prepared as the Popular Party faced internal pressures and shifted positions. Mazón asserted that not supporting Alicante when it needs help is a major mistake, while noting the platform would proceed with its concentration and offer support. He urged that other party leaders not attend the meeting, specifically referencing socialist Ximo Puig, head of the Consell, and Aitana Mas from Compromís. He also recounted prior criticisms of Crevillent (Political context) (Mazón remarks).
The PP used the moment to frame it as a political tactic. They reportedly agreed behind closed doors but backed off for partisan and electoral reasons. The socialist representative urged unity of action and sustained dialogue (PP reaction). Salvador Navarro, president of the Valencian Community Business Confederation (CEV), welcomed the outcome, calling for all parties and unions to participate in the 18th meeting regardless of proposed budget amendments. Navarro argued that this should wake the government to Alicante’s injuries, even as investments have recently been restored (CEV statement).
Natxo Bellido of Compromís underscored the platform members’ willingness to work constructively to correct underfunding affecting both the Community and especially Alicante. Podem representatives supported broader mobilization, while Luis Poveda from the United States commented on the March 3 protest as not yet decisive, and Tony Woodward of Ciudadanos supported united action, with a caveat about joining if the House action proceeds (platform notes).
Finally, Paco García, general secretary of CC.OO at l’Alacantí-Les Marines, stressed that all action must be coordinated through the platform, a view shared by Yaissel Sánchez, UGT secretary for the region, who emphasized that everyone should avoid unilateral noise. The assembly left the room in a calm mood (UGT statement).
Attendees at the Valencia meeting included Salvador Navarro (CEV), Joaquin Perez (CEV Alicante), Esther Guilabert (CEV Secretary General), Ismael Saez (UGT-PV), Ismael Senent (UGT Alicante), Yaissel Sanchez (UGT Alicante), Ana Garcia (CCOO PV), Carmen Palomar (CCOO Alicante), Paco Garcia (CCOO Alicante), Voro Ruiz (PSPV), Jose Munoz (PSPV), Alessio Curti (PSPV), Agueda Micó (Reconciliation), Anna Perpinyà (Compromís), Natxo Bellido (Compromís), Luis Poveda (EUPV), Carles Fons (Podem), Tony Woodward (Ciudadanos), Carlos Mazon (PPCV), Cesar Sanchez (PPCV) (Meeting participants).
Business leaders push provincial lawmakers to oppose the guilt in the Budgets
The platform’s members, including Natxo Bellido from Compromís, emphasized a cooperative effort to address chronic underfunding that affects the Community and mainly Alicante. Podem advocated a broader approach, while Luis Poveda from the United States suggested the March 3 action should be broadened. Tony Woodward of Ciudadanos urged cross-party collaboration and expressed support for the agreements, noting his party might join if the House action moves forward (as reported by participants).
In parallel, Paco García, general secretary of CC.OO at l’Alacantí-Les Marines, highlighted the need for transversal action through the platform, a view echoed by Yaissel Sánchez of UGT Alicante. The sense among attendees was to avoid isolated protests and aim for a united message. The room remained relatively quiet while alignment continued (Platform notes).
The meeting drew together a broad slate of regional leaders, including representatives from CEV, PSPV, Compromís, Podem, UGT, CC.OO, and other local parties and unions, all focused on pressing for fair funding and an updated investment framework for Alicante (List of attendees).
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