Government Budget Controversy in Alicante Prompts Local Protests and Political Pressure
Alicante is preparing for another year of budget debates as activists plan a protest set for Thursday, the 27th, aimed at challenging investments in the General Government Budgets within the province. The mobilization gathers support from political groups and business organizations including the Chamber of Commerce, CEV, Inesca, and the People’s Party. The date and details of the protest were outlined after a Monday morning meeting led by the Chamber President, Carlos Baño, following discussions with national PP Members César Sánchez and Macarena Montesinos and the popular senator Pablo Ruz.
The Monday gathering reinforced the ongoing dialogue between the Chamber and national representatives after last week’s session with METU and PSPV-PSOE. Later that morning, a plan was also discussed at the Ruperto Chapi square headquarters with Joan Baldoví and other MPs. The aim is to unify Alicante MPs around a shared cause. Baño voiced concerns about perceived mistreatment and highlighted an investment gap exceeding 3.5 billion euros, holding the central government responsible for the situation.
In parallel, tensions rose as the Chamber and PP criticized local investment levels. Current statistics show an allocation of 84.5 euros per resident based on registered population. When the floating population of around 970,000 is included, the per capita investment drops to under 56 euros. Observers note that Alicante’s investment ranking remains markedly below other regions, with benchmarks showing higher per capita investments elsewhere in the country.
The People’s Party continues to sharpen its critique of the central government’s management. Leading voices in the PPCV, including Carlos Mazón and César Sánchez, questioned the relationship between Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and Generalitat President Ximo Puig. The critics described the current budgets as humiliating, arguing they undermine the productive sectors and threaten local jobs. They also pointed to insufficient infrastructure as a hurdle to competitiveness and aimed at the ongoing adjustments related to water transfers and regional development projects.