Alicante
The longest plenary gathering since last June at the Alicante Provincial Assembly produced a wave of decisions and clarified the session’s direction. The debate delved into the foundations that the chamber agreed upon in a broad, cross-party consensus. The schedule for 2023 sets the tone for a late-term period, as the government team and the left opposition engaged in pronounced exchanges. Issues ranged from the treatment of patients in mental health facilities, to debates over national symbols like the Spanish flag, to allegations of corruption. These topics fueled intense exchanges and even threats to adjourn, all under the shadow of a forthcoming appointment and an election countdown of fewer than three months.
Plan + Cerca, presented as an alternative to the Provincial Assembly Cooperation Fund, received unanimous approval for fiscal year 2023. The plan includes a 44.7 million euro donation and an investment program totaling 103.5 million euros. The funds are allocated to support the investment and expenditure needs of Alicante municipalities during the current term. A government spokesperson remarked on the historic nature of the investment and its broad reach across town halls, noting an expansion of funding by nearly half.
Alicante
During the debate, a member of the cs MP faction emphasized that the project represents a distinctly Alicante-focused effort, contrasting with the Cooperative Fund, which many saw as rooted in a sector controlled by the presidency. A spokesperson suggested the Generalitat’s stance could undermine provincial autonomy. Even as Plan + Cerca received backing, a representative of Compromís questioned the latest remarks from the government team regarding the project, pointing to concerns about regional financial flows from 2021 and 2022 and criticizing a lack of cooperation with other institutions as an issue rooted in broader national politics.
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The unanimous approval of Plan + Cerca stood in contrast to earlier, rougher discussions surrounding the plan’s approval. The opposition pressed for clarity on the alleged ill-treatment of a medical professional at Doctor Esquerdo, noting that the incident had surfaced only recently. Socialists and allied parties demanded an extraordinary information commission to hear from those responsible for the center. A deputy argued that there was no harassment at Doctor Esquerdo, praising staff and regretting the manipulation of the event for partisan ends.
That deputy’s remarks sparked a heated exchange with the opposition. A socialist spokesperson stated that disrespect would not be tolerated and warned that jika needed, the president could face consequences for not aligning with the party’s stance. Another socialist figure described the emerging information about the psychiatric hospital as “serious” and accused opponents of turning the issue into political theater. The debate continued with a claim that requesting information is not disrespectful to patients and staff, urging a more focused, evidence-based discussion rather than political theatrics.
flag
The defense of national symbols remains a live issue, following a motion by the government team triggered by a high-profile gesture in Congress involving the flag. Critics argued that the act carried significant symbolic weight and exposed elements of exclusionary nationalism. Supporters contended that symbols by themselves do not produce tangible benefits for residents unless paired with concrete policy measures.
One representative showed a flag bearing images associated with past regional leaders, while others rejected the government’s proposal as politically charged and criticized the management of European funds. Critics described the move as a smear campaign, challenging the administration’s handling of funds under national leadership.
Gil-Albert is moving toward professionalizing the director’s role, with the plenary approving an amendment to the Cultural Institute of Alicante Juan Gil-Albert’s statutes. The change calls for a public appointment process designed to ensure merit, promotion, and reconciliation in management. This step aims to modernize governance within the institution and provide a clear, competitive pathway for leadership.