The relocation of the melias from Alicante’s Avenida de la Constitución to Sergio Melgares park in Playa de San Juan has sparked a broad civic conversation that reaches far beyond street level. In line with efforts to pedestrianize the Constitución-Bailén corridor, the move has become a focal point in ongoing municipal campaigns ahead of elections. Residents who oppose removing mature trees from the Traditional Center joined with United for Alicante to voice concerns and create a space for public discussion that could attract attention from European policymakers for broader consideration.
Representing United for Alicante at the gathering were Manolo Copé and Xavier López. Among the attendees was Sira Rego, a Member of the European Parliament from Izquierda Unida, who came to listen and engage. Copé noted that residents were invited to pose questions to the European Parliament and to participate in what he described as a formal objection to what he called a “tree massacre” in Madrid. He framed the issue as part of a wider pattern of decisions shaping the city’s natural heritage and stressed that the controversy extends beyond a single street to reflect a broader debate about urban priorities and green spaces in Alicante. The dialogue demonstrated how local choices resonate with national and European governance, inviting broader public participation and oversight.
Date of an announced transfer: melias on Avenida de la Constitución in Alicante are long gone
United for Alicante’s leadership underscored that the Avenida de la Constitución case is not isolated. Similar relocations have taken place in other neighborhoods, including areas near the Jorge Juan stairs, suggesting a citywide pattern in how urban reconfigurations are pursued. Copé argued that the project carries European funding implications and urged Parliament to monitor how those funds are allocated and used, ensuring accountability and transparency throughout the process. He highlighted the need for clear reporting on environmental outcomes and long-term city planning goals aligned with European standards.
López, the alliance’s second leader, added that the city’s current approach seems to retreat from robust climate resilience and protective measures for residents. He called on the European Union to assess whether Alicante’s ecological transition criteria are being met and to examine the removal of trees in favor of more cemented surfaces. The exchange emphasized a demand for public, evidence-based decision-making that weighs ecological balance against short-term urban restructuring.