Alicante County Council is set to approve the new foundations for governing Alicante this Wednesday at noon. Schedule and closures: in the general assembly at the Provincial Palace for the 2023 fiscal year, the last of this mandate. The plan will also enable subsidies to be allocated to investments or operating expenses with great flexibility, at the discretion of the buyers, since municipalities can route funds toward land purchases, buildings, or demolition work. The aim of these provisions is to guarantee greater autonomy, allowing municipalities to decide more freely based on their local needs.
Growth
The parliamentary budget for this year increases by 4.3% to reach 283.7 million euros and again centers on municipal investment, with more than 133 million euros expected to reinforce service provision, counter depopulation, and support residents. The consolidated budget climbs to 325.7 million euros, a 4.4% rise from 2022, and covers the Provincial Assembly and autonomous bodies: 5.3 million from the Tourism Board, 1.4 from the Juan Gil-Albert Cultural Institute of Alicante, 1.5 from the Provincial Cooperation Loan Fund, 1.3 from the Family Institute, 40.3 from Suma, 3.4 from Proaguas Costablanca, and 1.4 from Alicante Natura. Nearly all departments increased their allocations, with Economic Development and Emergencies showing the strongest growth at 26.3% and 14.4%, respectively. Departments responsible for essential municipal services – Infrastructure, Roads, Water Cycle, Environment, and Agriculture – are allocated a total of 101.3 million euros, up 2% from 2022.
Two hundred years into the practice of planting state lands, Diputación de Alicante continues its long-standing role in regional stewardship. At the general assembly, discussion is also planned about the Esquerdo center controversy. Carlos Mazón, President of Diputación and leader of the People’s Party in the Valencian Community, has criticized the Generalitat, suggesting its administration may have neglected long-standing concerns in Alicante and questioning the handling of the Doctor Esquerdo center. The psychiatric hospital, which is under court scrutiny for alleged mistreatment of a staff member, was closed and unused for eight years and reopened in March. This ongoing debate underscores the tension between local governance and central oversight in managing sensitive public facilities.
Consumption Bonus
Separately, in a related move, the General Assembly of the Provincial Assembly unanimously approved a consumer voucher campaign backed by 20 million euros to help households reduce grocery costs and support small businesses. The head of the institution thanked all political groups on the County Council for their full backing of the initiative, noting that the consumer bonus will ease the daily shopping burden for families across the region. The plan aims to sustain local commerce while delivering tangible relief at the point of sale, reducing price pressure on households and reinforcing community markets. This initiative reflects a broader strategy to preserve local affordability and stimulate resilient local economies in the face of fluctuating prices.
In summary, the coming measures are designed to empower municipalities with greater financial flexibility, reinforce essential services, and provide targeted relief to residents. By aligning budgets with local priorities and maintaining careful oversight, the council seeks to promote sustainable development, improve access to housing and infrastructure, and sustain economic vitality across Alicante and its communities. This approach, grounded in fiscal prudence and responsive governance, mirrors a broader regional commitment to balancing growth with social welfare, and it invites ongoing scrutiny from residents, businesses, and regional partners alike.