After concluding an exceptional close to 2022 with a highly attended general assembly, Alicante County Council moved into the final year of its term with a return to regular sessions at the Provincial Palace on Monday morning. The plenary session brought together the government team and the opposition to debate two topics that had dominated recent weeks: remarks made by Fernando López Mira, president of the Region of Murcia, regarding repression, considerations about AVE stops in Elche and Orihuela, and the potential transfer of the Emergency Service to Valencia. A motion supporting AVE stops was introduced and subsequently amended by the government bloc, which comprises the socialist group along with the People’s Party and Citizens, and the proposal was ultimately approved.
Contention
The assembly produced further discussion about relocating the coordination of emergency services to Valencia. A draft decree had been published two years earlier, and some critics argued that the project would not unfold as opponents predicted. Representatives from doctors and nurses unions voiced concerns about their perspectives not being incorporated. The ongoing discourse reflects the grievances voiced by these professionals, who lament the removal of intensive care resources. The People’s Party spokesman, Eduardo Dolón, began to condemn the events, while the reconciliation spokesperson Gerard Fullana indicated support for the motion. This stance aligns with the early stages of the Valencian coalition’s current political cycle, signaling a broader debate within regional governance.
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The plenary session progressed swiftly, earning recognition as one of the quicker gatherings in recent memory. The discussion touched on the Cooperative Fund and the Cerca Plan contributions, but time did not allow for deep dives into every item. Socialist spokesperson Toni Frances addressed the emergency issue, while the mayor of Alcoy defended the government-led approach under Ximo Puig. The administration highlighted increased staffing, modernization of services, and improved responsiveness to previously fixed challenges as evidence of progress. These points were offered to reassure residents that the state’s service delivery remains a priority amid broader regional reforms.
Change dates
The assembly also faced scheduling adjustments linked to external events. Initially, the meeting was planned for the 11th, a Wednesday, but a Madrid demonstration in support of water policy and the Tagus-Segura transfer led to a rescheduling. The 18th conflicted with other commitments, prompting a shift in dates. Ultimately, the session was scheduled for Monday the 16th. The date changes sparked criticism from left-wing opposition groups PSPV-PSOE and Compromís, who accused President Carlos Mazón of using the institution to bolster his campaign ahead of the regional elections in May. In defense, the government team argued that Mazón’s presence in Madrid was essential to pressing water defense concerns, presenting a united front with Murcia on shared regional priorities.