Across Alicante, voters face a web of historical claims as a new polling cycle approaches. INFORMACIÓN spoke with the four major participants in the Board’s 23J general election – PSOE, PP, Vox, and Sumar-Compromís – to hear their plans for tackling five critical areas: infrastructure, climate and water resources, finance and economy, and the creation of quality jobs.
INFRASTRUCTURE
there is still much to do
In recent years, the Socialists describe two milestones in infrastructure: the elimination of tolls on AP-7 and the arrival of the AVE in Elche and Orihuela. Their 23J program, under the Sustainable Mobility Act, proposes a financing framework for urban and metropolitan transport that is fair, transparent, and evenly distributed by the state. They also promise to expand local rail services.
The PP highlights two major goals: a rail link to the airport and the Beach Train, plus the completion of the Mediterranean Corridor and a third lane on the A-7 from the province’s south to Murcia. They also want to advance the Valencia Community Suburban Plan.
Vox argues that finishing the Mediterranean Corridor will boost the province’s competitiveness. They advocate improving rail connections and burying tracks in the city of Alicante. They pledge to solidify the airport connection to Alicante and Elche.
Sumar-Compromís ties airport connectivity to resolving the Torrellano variant, a controversy that dominated recent weeks. The coalition also pushed for early campaigning on infrastructure funding, criticizes the national government’s investment gaps, and prioritizes the Mediterranean Corridor, the Cercanías network, and the connections between Denia and Gandia.
THIS
Water and Resource Management
On water, the PSOE emphasizes broad civic engagement and a right to access water. They argue that no one should be excluded and call for consensus across governments, production sectors, civic groups, and scientific representatives to forge a social water agreement based on savings, efficiency, and reuse. They urge a policy that prevents drinking water from being used by future generations’ needs.
The PP presents a National Hydrological Plan as a central pledge for 23J, focusing on redistributing available resources, maintaining irrigation flows from the Tajo-Segura transfer under 2013 terms, fully implementing the Alarcón Agreement, and supporting the Júcar-Vinalopó transfers.
Vox centers its water strategy on rural and agricultural policy, urging the Tajo-Segura transfer as indispensable and calling for a National Water Plan that ensures water reaches every corner of Spain, including Alicante’s orchards which they say have been neglected by central governments.
Sumar-Compromís treats drinking water as a citizen right, advocating a legal prohibition on water cuts and increased citizen participation in water management. They also propose a plan to invest in water treatment and to eliminate pollution in the sea.
PP seeks to consolidate change to 23J before a PSOE seeking to retain power
FINANCE
More funding for the province
The PSOE asserts that the centralized administration under Pedro Sánchez has mobilized substantial resources to address health challenges and effects of events like the Ukraine war. Their program promises a new regional financing framework within a year that ensures citizens receive high-quality public services in health, education, and related sectors.
The PP pushes for reform of the autonomous financing system, arguing it currently penalizes the Valencian Community and its provinces. They claim the system fails to reflect local needs and contributions and leaves the region under-resourced compared with others in Spain.
Vox argues that the region has waited decades for essential investments and contends that national support must reflect the population and GDP contributions of Alicante. They credit local residents for growth and demand sustained state investment to close long-standing gaps.
Sumar-Compromís links regional financing to fair treatment from Madrid and calls for decisive steps to rectify years of perceived neglect. They emphasize that the next legislature should determine how regional funds are allocated, aligning with commitments made by their leadership in Valencia.
ECONOMY
Promotion of quality employment
The PSOE highlights a strong push to improve working conditions, citing a rise in the minimum wage to 1,080 euros per month and progress in equality and inclusion. They point to challenges in placing women in science and technology roles and advancing active employment policies for workers over 55.
The PP describes a plan to relaunch hiring in science and health fields, with incentives and a helpline for long-term recruitment, alongside dual training programs to boost student workforce participation.
Vox proposes stable employment by cutting 10% of company contributions for new permanent contracts for unemployed Spaniards and 20% for long-term job seekers and those over 50. They offer a first-job tax relief for under-25 hires to stimulate early careers.
Sumar-Compromís prioritizes increasing the minimum wage toward 60% of the national average, strengthening labor inspection to address abuses in the hospitality sector, and moving toward a 32-hour workweek.
CLIMATE CHANGE
New energy models
The PSOE commits to periodic reviews of climate targets in line with national and European plans and to staying aligned with Brussels-specified climate goals.
In response to wildfire risks, the PP proposes a forest management agreement and a strategic climate plan that integrates cross-cutting policies along with mitigation and adaptation measures.
Vox advocates repealing climate laws that they view as barriers to resource development and emphasizes keeping energy costs in check for families and businesses, stressing that no one should face unsustainable price spikes.
Sumar-Compromís champions a transition to renewable energy, supports low-emission zones in larger cities, promotes energy-efficient housing, and includes an animal welfare program as part of a broader environmental vision.
The alliances between the PP and Vox during the run-up to regional and municipal elections and the general election campaign have shaped the political landscape in the Valencian Community and several major towns. Critics from the left warn that such pacts could threaten gains in areas like equality and climate action. Recent polling suggests the PP-Vox arrangement might influence national governance. PSOE secretary-general Ximo Puig warned that abandoning social progress would require a unified effort to protect core rights and freedoms, while PP leader Carlos Mazón argued that regional stability would aid national leadership goals. The landscape remains unsettled as the election progresses.