The Alicante County Council prepared for the year ahead by approving the provincial agency’s budget, a milestone as the government team did so in this role for the first time. Opposition groups PSPV-PSOE and Compromís voted against the measure, marking the third time the Socialists opposed the budget and the first time in three years that Valencians abstained. PSPV argued that the government team refused to participate in the Generalitat-backed Municipal Cooperation Fund, while Compromís complained that removing the provincial surcharge for the Economic Activity Tax would stop local companies from contributing.
highest in history
The 283.7 million euros approved for 2023 represent a 4.3% increase from the previous year, the highest figure ever recorded by the Diputación. The budget debate unfolded with a ceremonial tone, echoing the mood in the Valencian Parliament on the day before as lawmakers prepared to sign off on next year’s plans. Officials on both sides recognize that their current term is drawing to a close and eyes are turning toward the 2023 elections. For instance, the head of the Diputación, Carlos Mazón, engaged more with the opposition than in prior sessions, adopting a calmer, more conciliatory tone to underscore political leadership.
Alicante Provincial Assembly approved its budget with opposition votes against
“Budget negotiations proceeded through constructive dialogue and reached a last-minute agreement,” noted a regional official. This approach, praised as a working method during Mazón’s tenure, differs from other administrations such as the Generalitat. The proceedings also included sharp exchanges with Ximo Puig’s administration, as it remains a central rival in the regional elections scheduled for the following year. Institutional tensions between the State Legislature and the Generalitat have created persistent friction over the past four years, with the PPCV leader repeatedly criticizing Botànic’s stance and strategies.
interventions
Mazón closed the session, following a brief opening from the Popular Group’s spokesperson, Eduardo Dolón. The Torrevieja mayor highlighted an “extended hand and predisposition” from the provincial government toward opposition parties. Cs spokesperson and Deputy Infrastructure Javier Gutiérrez accused the Generalitat of trying to impose a distribution model that would harm smaller municipalities.
The socialist bloc voiced strong opposition to the decision not to participate in the Cooperation Fund. It should be noted that a sizable group of socialist mayors gathered at the Provincial Palace earlier in the week to press for a role in the Generalitat’s investment plan. Spokesperson Toni Frances criticized the administration for repeatedly resisting participation, suggesting that the county council’s stance was driven by political strategy against President Puig.
The most surprising moment of the session came when Compromís opposed the budgets for the first time in this post. The party’s spokesperson, Gerard Fullana, had previously signaled an agreement with the government team to increase the Cerca Plan from 30 to 43.5 million. He maintained that none of Compromís’s seven proposals were reflected in the conventional budget, calling the plan a misrepresentation and labeling the move a propaganda operation. The discussion also touched on the alleged loss tied to the IAE, with proponents arguing that the provincial assembly would shoulder a nine-million-euro impact.
A Christmas toast amid the turn of the year
Following the general assembly at the Provincial Palace, the Special Provincial Administration traveled to MARQ for the customary Christmas toast with the media. President Mazón and the four spokespersons delivered remarks that carried a distinctly farewell tone. The regional leader personally handed a suitcase to lawmakers, signaling the impending transition and the time of change on the horizon.