The Alicante Provincial Council has been increasing its investment over the four-year term currently underway. An expansion in resources allocated to the provincial municipalities comes with a corresponding reduction in the share traditionally reserved for the municipalities themselves. Budget execution shows that by the end of 2022, the share stood at 52.85%. These figures come from the latest report commissioned by the provincial intervention body and indicate that real investments, which are tracked in chapter six of the budget, and capital transfers, identified in chapter seven, are being realized at a rate of around 20%. The figure of 27.81% drew strong criticism from the left-wing opposition formed by PSPV-PSOE and Compromís. In response, the government team highlighted the investment increase but acknowledged delays in project completion, describing them as a “bureaucratic collapse.” As stated by María Gómez, deputy treasurer, the obstacles created by the Public Sector Contracts Law and the construction sector slowdown, exacerbated by the war, affect all municipalities across the province, she noted.
Total expenditure
The Provincial Council’s total expenditure for 2022 reached 502 million euros, with 272 million in initial loans and 230 million in loan modifications. Recognized obligations amounted to 265 million. In 2021, expenses were 394 million excluding changes, 311 million in 2020, and 289 million in 2019. Recognized liabilities were 244 million (2021), 202 million (2020), and 190 million (2019), with overall percentages applying at 62%, 65%, and 66% respectively. The proportion of real investments stood at 24% in 2021, 42% in 2020, and 39% in 2019.
Tax offices
Massive executions are the largest in all jurisdictions. More funds flow from the county council to municipalities for assistance, and justification periods are being extended. Yet the overall assessment points to a bureaucratic collapse, according to the Undersecretary of the Treasury, Maria Gomez. She added that from the moment a city council receives the funds, it can take a year and a half or two to navigate all procedures. The bottleneck affects all administrations, especially the smallest ones. This is not a record of will but a challenge to contribute to the development of every municipality, the mayor of Almoradi emphasized.
Alicante City Council enters the campaign: Mazón announces a new work plan and the left revolts
Both the PSPV and Compromís challenged the executive and the administration led by Carlos Mazón. The socialist Toni Frances objected to what he called a management problem in the absence of a county president. Gerard Fullana of Compromís described the situation as the worst execution in memory.
284 million in the budget and the largest extra expense in all history
Regardless of the execution rate, the dispute between the government team and the opposition in the Alicante Provincial Assembly intensifies. The President, Carlos Mazón, asserted that this year’s budget increases by 4.3% to 284 million euros and includes a final term with the largest extraordinary investment in history, estimated at 161 million. The opposition, composed of PSPV-PSOE and Compromís, argues that the overspending stems from mismanagement and non-executive funds. Deadlines have been another flashpoint. With regional elections already announced, Mazón unveiled a new work plan for the coming period. This led the PSPV to accuse him of pursuing electoral aims, while Compromís stated it would bring Mazón’s statement before the Election Board to address the call for elections.
Regarding the 2023 budget of 284 million, team members highlight support for the province’s productive sectors amid the Ukrainian crisis, inflation, and energy challenges. Notably, 133 million is earmarked directly for Alicante’s municipalities to ensure service delivery, combat depopulation, and protect citizens. The additional investment of 166 million will fund subsidies for self-employed individuals and small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as the most vulnerable groups hit by the economic and energy crisis. Municipalities will receive 15 million for social benefits, supplementary to other initiatives such as social bonds.