Alicante’s business leaders press forward, determined to bring pressure to bear on the government while rallying local color to the cause. Following the province’s apparent omission from the General Government Budgets, reactions arrived in rapid succession. Even the executive in Madrid acknowledged some misalignments, with officials stating that work is underway to address the decompensations in regional economic distribution. Based on the 2023 calculations, the plan indicates that only a portion of the planned investments will reach this region, with a figure of 1.2 out of every ten euros earmarked for investment in the autonomous community.
Business Opposes Budgets: Protests Gather as Delegations Convene in Madrid
Bernabé has taken initial steps to calm the business sector, which has drawn support from the opposition and several civil society groups. He indicated that discussions with business associations have begun and that meetings with Alicante business leaders are being arranged to address the situation directly. In conversations with regional economic bodies, he stressed that the government is listening and aims to restore balance in investment. He reiterated a message from the regional president about the potential to steer significant funds toward regional infrastructure, noting that the region could see a larger share of the investment pie if decisions are adjusted. He added that the budget process had started before formal approval, and he was confident a clear, direct compensation would emerge through subsequent revisions.
Elche’s PP Expands Manifesto to Seek Greater Investment
The regional government arm in Valencia outlined several issues that Alicante residents should consider, including the distribution of investment, with six of every ten euros directed toward infrastructure and social spending. The impact of these allocations will be felt across the Community of Valencia and especially in Alicante. In numerical terms, the southern province is set to receive 1.2 euros for every ten invested in infrastructure, while Valencia may receive a larger portion, around 7.4 of every ten. Yet overall investment in the region is projected to rise, with totals increasing from 1,208 to 1,269 million euros, signaling some recovery in the regional economy.
Mazón Joins the Job-Protest and Forms a Unified Budget Front with Alicante and Elche
Bernabé noted that, in the initial reading of the Budgets, certain investments tied to Valencia were omitted from explicit listing, though Alicante is expected to benefit as well. For instance, the rail link from Alcoy to Xàtiva is highlighted as a potential beneficiary. Historical requests, such as a railway connection to Alicante-Elche airport, were not forgotten, and the early tender for an alternate project was recently launched. The proposed plan would connect the airport via the existing route, potentially halving the implementation timeline from the previously planned 36 months, a development that could accelerate regional accessibility and growth. This shift would likely have a meaningful impact on local logistics and economic activity. (Source: regional government communications)