In Alicante, the city’s mayor, Luis Barcala, urged the Generalitat’s leadership through Ximo Puig to open talks about the possibility of hosting Spain’s Artificial Intelligence Surveillance Agency, known as Aesia. He suggested that such a decision could either address public concerns honestly or be used to fuel political posturing tied to upcoming elections. The mayor emphasized that the proposal should not become a pretext for hypocrisy or empty rhetoric.
Barcala also supported a broader collaboration across the province and the community, arguing that Alicante could welcome the agency along with other major investments. He highlighted the need for enhanced health and education facilities and improved infrastructure as essential benefits that would accompany any such establishment.
Speaking to Europa Press, the PP leader urged the government to show generosity and grant Alicante the consideration it has repeatedly been denied in recent state budgets. He warned that regional investments for the province have lagged behind, urging a fairer distribution of funds.
He stated that if the objective of placing the AI agency in Alicante becomes a tool to attack the city rather than a genuine aim to boost regional development, it would simply amplify suspicion and political discord.
Mazón forms a joint front to demand the creation of the Artificial Intelligence Agency in Alicante
Following these comments, the socialist spokesperson in the municipality, Michael Millana, described Barcala as politically opportunistic. Millana asserted that the mayor is trying to lead the campaign for the city to host the AI Agency while effectively stalling any action that could benefit Alicante if it comes from the Puig administration.
Millana argued that Barcala’s approach would slow the progress of critical sectors such as education and health and that it creates an artificial rivalry like Futures District, a project already in motion. He pointed to projects like Via Parque, which faced delays due to late expropriations by City Hall.
From Millana’s perspective, the focus has shifted to political gains rather than tangible benefits for residents. He said that the real priority should be advancing projects that improve everyday life in Alicante and ensuring a fair, citizen-centered process. According to Millana, Barcala and Mazón have often opposed initiatives that could advance the city, while Puig’s government has repeatedly shown a different commitment to the people of Alicante.