Alicante’s Business Community Responds to the New Government
The business community across Alicante province did not greet the new government with enthusiasm. Beyond approving the management profile of Jordi Hereu, the new Minister of Industry and Tourism, several economic sectors criticized the continuity of key portfolios such as Treasury and Labor. The concern centers on ongoing tax policies and labor relations rather than on new directions. In broad terms, tourism groups hope the change at the Social Rights Ministry will benefit Imserso trips, while supporters of the housing project welcome the establishment of a dedicated Housing Department. Farmers express disappointment that Teresa Ribera continues to lead Ecological Transition, citing reductions to the Tajo-Segura transfer. All these views emerge amid widespread regret that the Valencian Community ministers list did not expand beyond the continuation of Diana Morant.
Joaquín Pérez, president of the Valencian Community Business Confederation (CEV) in Alicante, encourages a period of confidence for the new Executive. He awaits details on policy direction, while remaining cautious about potential continuity in ministries such as Labor and Social Economy.
In the industrial sector, Jorge Ibáñez, president of the Federation of Metal Entrepreneurs of the Province of Alicante (Fempa), notes that the appointment of Jordi Hereu as Minister of Industry and Tourism is not troubling, yet he worries about departments that will not change. His concern is that tax policy and labor relations may remain static for most companies.
Marián Cano, president of the Valencian Association of Footwear Entrepreneurs (Avecal), emphasizes the need for a minister who understands the local economy. The demand is for investments that keep Valencian companies competitive. José Antonio Pastor, general manager of the Association of Spanish Toy Manufacturers (AEFJ), agrees that policies should protect the competitive capacity of national firms. Pepe Serna, president of the Valencian Association of Textile Entrepreneurs (Ateval), shares the sense of optimism around Hereu’s appointment among business leaders.
Luis Horcajuelo, president of the Mármol de Alicante association, looks for policy clarity but laments that labor matters were handed to Sumar. He notes the current climate is challenging for local businesses.
Francisco Ortiz, secretary general of the Alicante Provincial Transport Federation (Fetrama), also expresses concern about ongoing labor policy continuity, asserting that it places companies at a disadvantage during negotiations.
Within tourism, Fede Fuster, president of the Hosbec employers’ association, accuses the government of undermining social dialogue. Yet he trusts the new components of the administration, especially the Minister of Social Rights, Consumption and Agenda 21, Pablo Bustinduy, for fresh policy directions. He hopes new developments will align with industry needs, particularly regarding Imserso trips, which he says should be advanced in consensus with the sector because the predecessor reportedly resisted changes.
Mar Valera, president of the Alicante Provincial Hospitality Entrepreneurs Association (Apeha), views the outlook as bleaker, suggesting tax increases will persist to fund commitments made to independents as part of the coalition agreement. He notes that fiscal measures are likely to continue to shape business conditions in the near term.
In the housing and urban realm, Jesualdo Ros, secretary general of the Association of Real Estate Developers of the Province of Alicante (Provia), confirms the importance of a dedicated Housing and Urban Agenda portfolio. As the Transport ministry shifts away, Javier Gisbert, president of the Public Works Federation of the Province of Alicante, expects salary growth policies to be paired with greater budget allocations for contracts and awards.
Finally, José Vicente Andreu, president of Asaja Alicante, regrets the continued leadership of Ribera and notes that Luis Planas, who also has agricultural influence, supports a political will to improve insurance and to demand reciprocity in EU import rules. These combined views illustrate a complex mix of expectations and concerns among Alicante’s business community as the new government takes shape.