The crisis surrounding fundamental decisions in the district intensifies with just over two months until the May 28 elections. The Generalitat pressed ahead with a second wave of changes on Friday, confirming ministerial adjustments after a plenary session and with the vice president’s confirmation. The Alicante business school received approval to step in with a rescue plan, while officials in Botany signaled that these moves aim to fortify what they envision as the government for the next four years. In the same day, Professor Francisco Javier de Lucas and lawyer Fernanda María Lapresta were appointed as new directors of the Consell Jurídic Consultiu, succeeding Faustino de Urquía Gómez and Asunción Ventura Franch in the leadership roles.
Sánchez Butrón: “The Continuity of the Center Is a Milestone for Alicante”
The head of Fundesem, Cayetano Sánchez Butrón, welcomed the Generalitat’s Friday decision to enable creditors to resume operations. He emphasized that Fundesem’s continuity represents a cornerstone for the city of Alicante and praised the board for its efforts. Reflecting on recent events, he acknowledged the difficult path and expressed optimism about a strong future for the school once the debt was resolved.
The general assembly of Consell approved the agreement ensuring Fundesem’s continuity. It involved reducing the institution’s debt by 45 percent from a total of 1.3 million euros, a portion of which, 606,476 euros, was owed to the Valencia Institute for Business Competitiveness (Ivace). In the same session, Isa Castelló, director general of Public Sector and Heritage, was dismissed for personal reasons that aligned with a report criticizing the contract and a refusal to sign it. This move triggered subsequent staff changes, including Antoni Such’s dismissal as general manager of Local Administrations, with the position to be filled from the Castelló vacancy.
more moves
The reshuffle continued as Adolfo Sanmartín, current mayor of Castellón and deputy, was named general director of the Local Government, bringing experience from multiple administrative roles. The plenary also approved dismissing Nuria Matarredona, Director-General of Ecological Innovation in Construction under the Ministry of Housing, and appointing regional deputy David Calvo to replace her.
Generalitat to Undertake Price Adjustments in Public and Subsidized Housing
Most recently, Jordi Llinares Sanjuan was named Director-General of Science and Research within the Ministry of Innovation and Universities, marking another shift in the Alicante department. Llinares, a computer engineer by training, has previously served in roles connected to the information systems sector and digital agendas at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and in industry digitalization initiatives. He currently serves as Deputy General Manager of Industry Digitalization and Collaborative Environments and has taught electronics procurement at the Institute for Financial Studies. His appointment signals a broader reorganization aimed at boosting research and technological development in the region.
Asked about the changes—some 80 days after the election—the president noted that leadership adjustments are not unusual and stressed that decisions must be made. He added that any layoffs or appointments would be disclosed as appropriate, emphasizing accountability in the process.
Negative
The vice-president asserted that Castelló’s replacement stemmed from her refusal to sign a proposal that would allow Fundesem to emerge from bankruptcy. Critics argued that the responsible minister should address these concerns publicly. The vice-president urged questions to be directed at the decision-makers so that the public could receive truthful explanations. He stated that the assembly did not discuss the reasons behind the dismissals in detail.
From PSPV’s side, Organization Secretaries José Muñoz and others framed the moves as a renewed impulse from the president, intended to guide the government for the next four years. They framed the reshuffle as the backbone of Consell’s governance, aimed at improving Valencians’ lives while opponents were already running in election mode, including notable figures like Carlos Mazón.
A Social Bonus Concept of 30 Euros per Month for Purchases
In a bid to cushion inflation’s impact on Valencian households, the Generalitat and leaders from groups representing distribution companies and small businesses have begun shaping a social bonus program. The plan would offer roughly 30 euros per month in discounts to the most disadvantaged families and could benefit around 150,000 households. Vice President Aitana Mas cautioned that the proposal remains in an early stage and requires review by relevant departments, including Equality and Inclusive Policies. Crevillente added that a government regulation on food prices is necessary and advocated policies that prevent stigma, noting that past subsidies like the 20-cent gasoline aid lost effectiveness when companies raised prices. The government is moving carefully, acknowledging the near-term electoral timetable while outlining a path to targeted relief.
The dialogue around pricing, social support, and housing affordability reflects a broader effort to stabilize public services ahead of the upcoming elections. The administration continues to pursue reforms intended to ensure continuity in governance and to address the needs of Valencian residents, with a focus on transparency and accountability in all personnel changes and budgetary decisions. [Source attribution: Generalitat official communications; local government press briefings; regional news coverage]