The Alicante Provincial Council moved to approve its budgeting framework on February 7, after extensive discussions. This year’s budgets total 295.3 million euros, a historic high for the institution and a 4.1% rise from 2023. Despite the larger total, the opposition did not back the accounts. The government led by the People’s Party maintained an absolute majority with 16 seats, while the opposition held 15, enough to neutralize motions from the other three groups represented in the assembly (PSPV-PSOE, Compromís, and Vox).
The February budget debate, a focal point of the ordinary general assembly session, unfolded as a sign of partisan tension. The PP adopted a conciliatory posture, highlighting that around twenty of the roughly two million amendments submitted by the opposition were approved. The left-wing groups challenged several points, including the relatively slow realization of real investments during the prior year. Disputes were also raised over the Cooperation Fund, the elimination of the regional surcharge, and the Economic Activities Tax (IAE) — long-standing issues highlighted by the administration under the leadership of Mazón and Puig. In contrast, Vox representatives steered their remarks toward ideological concerns, touching on topics such as equality and regional identity, Valencia, and bullfighting, while criticizing the PP’s support for Benidorm Festival, tied to the Nebulossa band’s controversial track.
Budget of the Provincial Council of Alicante: no consensus with the Left or the Cooperation Fund and delayed
PSPV spokesman Vicente Arques argued that the PP’s approach effectively paralyzed state affairs. He described the budget as a choice that signals continuity alongside inertia. Data presented by Arques showed that his group submitted 87 amendments worth 1.3 million euros, representing 0.44% of the total budget, with 15 accepted. The socialist critic also questioned the Provincial Assembly’s role, calling it a source of tourism revenue that should not turn into a tool for real estate expansion, noting projects like congress centers and new headquarters in Alicante and Elche, while urging attention to smaller towns with populations under 5,000.
The fishing sector received support from Compromís spokesman Ximo Arques, who simultaneously stated that the budget did not fully meet expectations and referred to Mazón using the Assembly as a launchpad for broader plans. He contended that the current administration is exploiting fiscal suspension from the pandemic period to push initiatives unrelated to economic recovery and regretted the removal of the IAE.
Vox representatives framed their critique from a different angle, arguing that the plan funds areas they consider unnecessary or ideological. Their message pointed to gaps in investments such as programs to promote digital tools for the elderly, security measures in agriculture, protection for churches, and the Alicante bullfighting school.
The discussion opened with first vice president Ana Serna and concluded with President Toni Pérez. Serna stressed that the budget marks the historical high and affirmed that the opinions of all groups were considered. Pérez echoed that sentiment, noting the absolute majority and describing the process as one built through dialogue and bridges. He expressed a wish for the Provincial Council to continue leading initiatives that benefit every municipality in the province.
Ideological distance between the popular party and Vox
Beyond budget approvals, the February plenary session underscored the ideological rift between the PP and Vox. Vox spokesperson Gema Alemán pressed for tighter allocation of resources to Valencia and greater support for bullfighting, and she invoked the Benidorm Festival controversy as part of her stance. Pérez opened and closed the session with a commemorative moment honoring a victim of gender-based violence in l’Alfàs del Pi, underscoring the human dimension embedded in the plenary’s agenda.