The Alicante Provincial Council reported a stark budget picture in the first half of 2022, managing to execute only about 21 percent of its approved spending. These figures stand as the weakest budget execution across the last two legislative cycles, where the typical completion rate hovers around 30 percent. Members of the socialist group inside the provincial institution attribute this shortfall to leadership gaps and persistent managerial absences tied to president Carlos Mazón. They argue that the consequences of what they call an ongoing withdrawal of leadership are borne by municipalities and residents across the province of Alicante. From the PSPV side, Mazón is portrayed as lacking a track record of decisive governance. They describe the current resource management as unbearable and point to the president’s prioritization of a Generalitat presidency next year as a likely distraction from the province’s immediate needs.
The socialist group highlights that only a small portion of the budget has been implemented in the first six months. They contend that the only area meeting the president’s expectations is the payroll for Diputación staff who do not participate in his administration. Beyond diminished budget execution, current transfers — subsidies aimed at provincial institutions and especially municipalities — have fallen to half the eight-year average. Actual investments, which involve works carried out directly within the province by Diputación and for smaller municipalities, have also nearly halved over the past eight years, with only about 7 percent of planned investments realized during this period. Finally, capital transfers, investments made directly by city councils, show somewhat more stability but have faced delays and tighter enforcement for job subsidies.
Plenary discussions at Diputación unfold with a sense of silence amid the Cs crisis and reported indifference toward the Compromís group. In this context, Toni Frances, the socialist spokesperson, expressed concern about what the data reveal regarding a perceived paralysis in the provincial government’s management. He argued that Mazón cannot remain in office if the burden of governance continues to be neglected, stressing that the province and its citizens deserve action. Frances also pointed to tensions within the governing coalition, noting that two aides from Ciudadanos — the party aligned with the PP in Diputación — should be scrutinized. He mentioned vice president Julia Parra and spokesperson Javier Gutiérrez in this frame. The situation is complicated further by an internal rift within Ciudadanos, with leadership moves described as disruptive and accusations of internal sabotage being raised by party colleagues.
Frances added that the PP should seek leadership that is genuinely committed to public service and capable of delivering results, especially with ten months remaining in the current legislative term. The socialist spokesperson argued that the inaction at the head of Diputación comes at a particularly challenging moment, as citizens face inflation and rising costs for goods and energy. He urged provincial leaders to roll up their sleeves and take full responsibility, underscoring the urgency of responsive governance during a period marked by economic strain and uncertainty for households in the region.