Alicante City Council debates Esplanade stalls and public-space use

Alicante City Council Debates the Esplanade Stalls and Public Space Use

The Alicante City Council’s bilateral team, comprising representatives from the PP and Citizens, conducted a vote affecting the Esplanade stalls amid concerns about their removal. The discussions referenced Miguel Millana, the general secretary of the Alicante PSOE, who is also a member of the Local Trade Council. In the end, six votes supported the move, with representatives from PP, Ciudadanos, Vox, and allies in the larger coalition backing the measure. Five votes opposed it, backed by a Socialist, United We Can, Compromís, and Podemos presence, while nine members abstained. The outcome preserves a path for integrating the measure into the draft Public Roads Regulations in progress, with a subsequent submission to the General Assembly for final approval.

Alicante’s Coalition Looks to Quiet the Esplanade Demonstrators in the Name of Public Order

Neither Antonio Peral, the mayor from the PP, nor Antonio Manresa of Ciudadanos, attended the session; their absence, however, did not alter the vote. The delegation from the PP and the PSOE groups was evenly balanced at three representatives each, alongside the Local Trade Council. The absence of other key players from Unidos Podemos, Compromís, and Vox meant the result stood as cast.

The Socialist group faces internal pressure, with a leadership crisis and the possible resignation of the city spokesperson anticipated in discussions held during the afternoon meeting convened by Millana’s team.

Artisans from San Juan Beach are part of the broader discussion surrounding public space use

Vendors and social or commercial organizations were present, but several voting figures were missing. From a political viewpoint, the session highlighted the fragility of the current cross-party stance on market relocations and street-use policies.

The Treasury Commission discussed amendments to the fiscal regulation governing the occupancy of subsoil areas, land, and public-road overhangs. No PSOE representative joined the Finance Commission meeting in Alicante on that day, as newcomers Francesc Sanguino and Miguel Millana represented the Socialist side. The pledge from the Socialist faction reflected a developing stance on Esplanade matters.

During the day, observers recorded a parallel protest outside the town hall square by Esplanade demonstrators and San Juan beach vendors, who argued for keeping their stalls in place in a negotiated manner. The Local Assembly approved the relocation of some stands to Milan Street by a narrow margin, while the plan to install new sports modules on Playa de San Juan received backing from the Urban Planning department as part of a broader community investment.

Local Trade Council Meeting scheduled for Friday

Despite that approval, the signed agreement later scrapped the Milan Street relocation. The mayor of Occupy Public Roads, Manuel Jiménez, announced a plan to meet next week with neighbors and traders to examine the most suitable market location, with the expectation that operations would continue through the summer. Avinguda de Niza would host the activity until September, after which a handover would occur at a site agreed with residents and traders.

Esplanade’s Advocates Seek a Meeting to Preserve Continuity

The Esplanade advocates explained that a meeting would take place the following Monday with 31 traders affected by the changes to discuss consensus and future options. The agreement to remove stands from Paseo de la Explanada de España received unanimous backing across political groups, with regional board support and neighborhood associations acknowledging the move.

Manuel Jiménez indicated that the parties would consider concessions offered to similar markets and would sit down to negotiate a moratorium on transfers to reach a lasting agreement with all traders. The aim was to preserve the Esplanade’s status as a shared space that serves residents and visitors alike.

More Than 1,200 Signatures Against Stall Transfers

The core agreement described the Esplanade as a defining Alicante promenade and a key tourism landmark. The plan aimed to maintain an open, accessible promenade integrated with the seashore, while establishing a new non-resident market on Calle Músico José Mira Figueroa on Thursdays from July through September, comprising 26 stalls.

Opposition Voices Call for Transparent Decisions

Manuel Marin, head of the Socialist Commerce group, stressed the need to relocate the Local Trade Council to Milan Street while informing artisanal traders near San Juan Beach. He argued that public decisions should not be conveyed by media leaks and urged solutions that protect long-standing family businesses spanning decades. The council should engage directly with entrepreneurs affected by changes.

Freedom in Trade Policy and Public Space Management

United We Can spokesperson Xavier López criticized the bipartisan plan to remove Esplanade market activity without dialogue or prior agreement, describing it as an authoritarian approach. He noted that any discussion about the Esplanade market’s future requires approval and consensus from the city council and those working there, cautioning that unilateral moves would not gain support from United We Can.

Tourism Strategy and Urban Planning Adjustments

Natxo Bellido of Compromís commented that the Local Trade Council had not coordinated effectively, blaming a perceived lack of planning for the move from San Juan Beach and questioning the desirability of excluding Milan Street as an alternative. The commentary underlined the importance of dialogue with affected traders when proposing changes to the Esplanade’s use.

Public Space Governance in Tourist Zones

Proponents from Compromís expressed support for moving markets when achieved through dialogue and consensus with those whose livelihoods depend on continued economic activity. They urged removing failures from the agenda to ensure that decisions reflect the interests of both residents and the broader visitor economy.

Expansion of Alicante’s Tourist Area and Regulatory Updates

The Local Trade Council discussed the extension of the Major Tourist Influx Zone, in line with legislative amendments defining the expansion under the Generalitat’s law. The seven-year horizon, with automatic renewals, was described as a framework for maintaining orderly development, provided circumstances remain consistent with the initial declaration.