Capacity and energy fuel a hopeful future in a city beloved since youth, with pride in neighborhood roots like Correntías. Carolina Gracia runs for mayor at 36, following last year’s leadership change in Orihuela after a no-confidence vote toppled the previous administration.
QUESTION: One major reason for the no-confidence motion was a blockade on government work. What was achieved as a result?
REPLY: Primarily, the administration itself transformed. The prior government’s stubborn disagreements and constant clashes had paralyzed progress. By returning to a collaborative stance, it became possible to set aside rivalries and push forward on essential issues that matter to residents.
“Differences have been set aside to move forward on necessary matters”
Q: Which problems were addressed last year?
A: Projects gained momentum. Initiatives that had been stalled began to move, including planned restorations of historic buildings such as Rubalcava Palace and the Monserrate Savings Bank, the Twin Waterwheels, and the old courts. The number of street cleaners rose from about 100 to over 160 during peak season. Local businesses that had never received consumer checks saw two payments this year. A previously dormant regulated parking program was activated quickly. There was progress on sensitive issues like starting a municipal mental health service, with support from the Generalitat, and efforts to boost the Oriol vocational center and residence.
Q: The latter with Generalitat’s help. How did the relationship with the Consell unfold?
A: Health ties deepened with Generalitat, contrary to prior efforts that leaned toward taking sides. The outcome was clear: increased investment, purchasing the former mental hospital to house the Oriol residence, and acquiring the Marqués de Rafal Palace as the Generalitat Presidency’s primary headquarters outside the provincial capital. It was disheartening to see President Ximo Puig repeatedly extend a hand while the PP resisted cooperation. Puig and the speaker worked in coordination toward a future beneficial for Orihuela.
“It was saddening that President Ximo Puig kept shaking Orihuela’s hand while PP opposed him”
Q: What progress did not advance this past year of governance?
A: It is understood that a single year cannot accomplish everything. Time was limited, and administrative pace never matched the urgency felt on the ground. Still, more projects moved forward in one year than in seven years under the PP. There was a strong desire to resolve expired or unresolved contracts left by the PP that disproportionately affected local companies. A comprehensive maintenance plan also took shape to improve neighborhoods, districts, and waterfront spaces. If residents grant continued leadership after the 28th, these steps will be among the first to advance.
“I wish there were more time to resolve expired contracts left by the PP”
Q: Why weren’t budgets approved by the board of directors yet? Will the planned projects still serve the future manager after the election?
A: The budget is ready. It has passed through all departments and awaits the political process—board approval, plenary debate, potential amendments, and publication. The current process avoids deadlines in the middle of selections, and whoever leads the city can take the plans forward while addressing a long-standing anomaly left by the PP since 2018 without budget approval.
Q: It’s noted that press conferences are initially held jointly with Ciudadanos and then individually. Has the team grown weary?
A: Not all conferences were shared from the start, but most discussions aligned with government domains. Relationships naturally carry multiple sides and viewpoints, yet the key thing is that disagreements no longer block municipal activities that affect neighbors, unlike the PP era. The pattern showed that the main obstacle in governance was the PP’s approach.
“The goal of governance was to reduce barriers, not to spy on each other”
Q: Critics argue that Ciudadanos carried too much weight, despite a claimed balance. Has commitment and urban planning been managed effectively?
A: The balance was explained as a partnership between two groups, one with six councilors and the other with five. This configuration produced a workable balance across roles, from the mayor to the board and local leaders. The overall result avoided dominance by one side and allowed the administration to remove obstacles. There are always preferences, but the PP cannot lecture on governance. A swap in personnel underscored the different, yet practical, dynamics—9 to 6 in councilor representation—without undermining cooperation.
“A strengthened sense of political and social support followed this year”
Q: On Cambiemos, the relationship seemed cooler. Has isolation increased as elections approach?
A: There is a feeling of stronger political and social support after this year. As elections approach, Cambiemos relationships cooled for strategic reasons. Yet the partnership with PSOE and Cambiemos holds more common ground than discord, offering a path forward for Orihuela.
Caroline Grace and Tony Seville are mentioned in related captions.
Q: Who would be preferred allies after May 28? Is there a red line in the program?
A: The preference is for a commanding majority that enables governance without external reliance. Still, openness remains for agreements with groups that champion progress, diversity, equality, and greater opportunities, so long as they align with a broader social Orihuela.
Q: Which issues will be prioritized after the elections?
A: Maintenance and improvements for neighborhoods, streets, parks, and beaches take precedence. A budget increase of three million plus a new treasury plan can be launched immediately. Staff expansion for cleanliness, a plan for a Sports City, and a business park are part of the package. Housing assistance to help families buy and rehabilitate homes in the historic center and surrounding neighborhoods will be included, with a focus on making homeownership accessible to young people. Vacant properties will be revitalized as part of a broader neighborhood renewal effort.
“A focus on maintenance, plans, and a proactive strategy, not impulse-driven actions”
Q: What are the standout candidates of the election platform?
A: Maintenance and cleaning remain top priorities, ensuring a cleaner, more attentive living space. An overarching Strategic Plan, crafted with input from the Civic Council and the broader socioeconomic fabric, is essential to chart Orihuela’s direction. The emphasis is on a coordinated path rather than reactive moves. A business park is crucial to attract startups and provide training opportunities, along with freelancers’ spaces like co-working centers. Sports City stays a central priority, complemented by stronger social services. For the first time, a Leisure Plan aimed at families and youth will be launched, and a new approach to family benefits will support two-child families as extended households, with enhanced allowances and housing initiatives to revitalize historic neighborhoods and empower new homeowners.