The province’s top economic official, First Vice President and Vice President for Economy, Ana Serna, held discussions this morning with spokespersons for several opposition groups as part of ongoing negotiations over the Provincial Assembly’s 2024 budget. The talks are aimed at shaping an agreement that can be presented for consideration during the upcoming general assembly session, which is anticipated to convene in the third week of January to approve this year’s accounts.
Serna invited representatives from the Socialist Group and the Vox party, along with Compromís aides, to lay out the main lines of the budget draft prepared by the leadership team led by Toni Perez. The objective was to understand the opposition’s proposals that were submitted to the groups last week, ensuring every relevant perspective is examined before finalizing the budget plan.
In announcing the approach, Serna emphasized that the government team intends to negotiate in good faith with the opposition up to the last moment in pursuit of an agreement. A settlement that could win broad support for the budget is seen as essential to delivering the level of public services and investments Alicante residents expect. Projections show the accounts for next year growing by 4.1 percent, reaching a total of 295 million euros, a figure that reflects ongoing commitments to economic stability and public service delivery.
The proposed budget emphasizes strengthening municipalities and addressing population decline. More than 78 million euros, representing 26.5 percent of the total, would go directly to municipal councils, associations, and smaller local organizations. The plan also includes a notable increase in social expenditure, highlighting a targeted approach to welfare and community programs. These are among the core priorities outlined in the 2024 preliminary budget draft, as described by Serna and her team in the negotiations and subsequent briefing sessions.
The negotiation process, according to Serna, seeks a balanced outcome that preserves fiscal discipline while expanding critical local services. By engaging openly with opposition voices, the government aims to reconcile different viewpoints and deliver a budget package that reflects the needs of residents across the region. The discussions cover a range of topics, from infrastructure improvements and social programs to administrative efficiency and local economic development, all designed to support a resilient and inclusive recovery for Alicante.
Officials note that the 2024 budget is built on a framework of accountability and measurable results. The anticipated additions in direct aid, combined with strategic investments in municipal capacities, are expected to empower local authorities to respond more effectively to community needs. The government’s stance remains clear: collaborate with opposition partners while maintaining the priorities needed to foster steady growth and social well-being for all residents. This collaborative spirit is viewed as crucial to reaching a broadly supported budget that municipalities can implement with confidence. [Source: Provincial Budget Office]