Candidate José Aix of Ciudadanos outlines an emergency plan for Orihuela’s first three months, proposing a municipal company to handle garbage collection and street cleaning. He argues this approach will create a cleaner municipality while downplaying opponents’ claims of political manipulation and what he labels as entrenched interests. He frames his campaign as representing the entire municipality.
QUESTION: Some critics say the city’s historical heritage is receiving insufficient attention. What is Ciudadanos’ plan to revitalize the historic center?
ANSWER: Ciudadanos and the City Planning and Heritage Councilor have recently shown a clear commitment to the historic center, with three major studies underway. The Rubalcava Palace, formerly the Monserrate savings bank, is envisioned as the backbone of the center and will work in harmony with a project valued at over one million euros. Plans include rehabilitating the old courts and restructuring the area from Santo Domingo to Plaza del Carmen, adjacent to the City Hall. Additional ideas contemplate the Plaza de la Salud and Paseo Calvo Sotelo. Beyond these efforts, the group aims to make the urban standards of the historic center more flexible so property owners can achieve better financial returns, including the possibility of repairing buildings and improving their appearance. There is also a push to update the Peopcho (Plan Especial de Ordenación y Protección del Casco Histórico de Orihuela) to reflect these goals and to review the catalog of protected assets to consider municipal or privately owned properties, including the Orihuela Casino.
“We are committed to making the historic center’s urban standards more flexible so that its owners can earn a better return.”
Q: What is the project for the AVE sheet area?
A: The AVE plate is proposed as an expansion and transition zone linking traditional Orihuela, near the Sierra de San Miguel, with a modern, commercial development area. The modification will extend to 12 and the Sports City, creating a space for families of all ages with inclusive facilities, such as accessible playgrounds, a wooded, dynamic, modern environment, plus a driving circuit for children with disabilities and a central gathering point.
“We want AVE’s slab to be a space of expansion and transition between the more traditional Orihuela and other modern, commercial and development space”
Q: What is the status of the Santo Domingo area?
A: Ongoing, constructive dialogue has continued with the Diocese of Orihuela-Alicante and the Santo Domingo center, aiming to finalize arrangements promptly while safeguarding Orihuela’s interests. Given Santo Domingo’s heritage status as a Property of Cultural Interest, it remains an integral part of Orihuela’s history.
Q: When will the City Mill swap occur?
A: The public disclosure phase of a plenary agreement is focused on changing the Palacio Sorzano de Tejada’s legal status by inheritance so it can be exchanged. Advancing this phase is a priority to make Molino de la Ciudad municipally owned and open to all Oriolanos at no cost to the municipal coffers.
“The most convenient way to manage garbage and street cleaning in our municipality is through the municipality company”
Q: Is Ciudadanos proposing a public-private partnership for garbage management and street cleaning?
A: The plan favors a municipal company to oversee waste management and street cleaning. An accident plan is promised within the first three months of the mayorship. Last year, sixty-five new city-cleaning positions were added and more staff is planned to professionalize and organize the service. The focus is on optimizing both human and technical resources through a structured organizational approach and a capital investment exceeding one million euros.
“Some parties are afraid when they see that we are the political project that best represents the municipality”
Q: Critics from PP, Vox, and Cambiemos allege hidden interests or a form of modern caciquism. How does Ciudadanos answer?
A: The party notes opposition frustration as it presents 16 native candidates and argues the movement represents Orihuela as a whole. Critics are accused of casting aspersions while failing to address solid policy and governance. The campaign emphasizes transparency and focus on voters rather than partisan theatrics.
“Mr Vegara has been disqualified from assuming any public responsibility, not just to be mayor”
Q: If a deal were needed during the campaign, who would the party consider partnering with? A previous interview suggested PP would not be an obstacle if certain individuals were not present. How does this influence the current strategy?
A: The party predicts a scenario without a clear majority and positions Ciudadanos as a prospective partner, prioritizing Orihuela and its residents over party lines. It points to a history of yielding power to others while highlighting a stable, capable team ready to manage the city and engage with other groups if a shared program exists. The focus remains on a future-oriented model city for Orihuela, with openness to alliances that advance that vision. The discussion regarding public figures is treated as a legal matter, with emphasis on accountability and the long-term interests of the municipality.