Alicante faced a pivotal period focused on defending essential public services, guiding city transformation, and weighing different visions for the municipal model and taxes to be introduced in the next mandate. The election debate for the provincial capital, organized by INFORMACIÓN and Information TV, also touched on housing, sanitation, commerce, and neighborhood inequalities.
Panelists included Ana Barceló of PSPV-PSOE, Adrián Santos Pérez of Ciudadanos, Manolo Copé of United for Alicante, Rafa Mas of Compromís, and Carmen Robledillo of Vox. They represented a broad spectrum of parties, with the exception of the People’s Party, whose re-election candidate Luis Barcala declined the invitation. This absence sparked early partisan contention. Barceló, Copé, and Mas used the initial moments to challenge Barcala on governance, accusing him of a lack of bold leadership and of concealing shortcomings in bidding for city projects and in handling certain investigations. Cs presented themselves as a sensible governing option, aiming to steer away from extremism, while Vox tied its critique to public safety concerns and national issues, including debates over the presence of former ETA members on Bildu lists and the so called law of yes means yes to illustrate broader ideological points.
“Are we all here?” is the question that frames another look at the Alicante election debate. After the initial exchanges, Mas criticized Barcala for starting his tenure with a sense of drift and possibly ending it with allegations of corruption. In turn, Barceló argued that the democratic process suffers when not all voices participate, and Copé pointed to visible signs of mismanagement such as the neglected area behind the Teatro Principal. The discussion left audiences with a clear sense of ongoing political friction and clarified the stakes for the city’s administration.
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The role of Cs as Barcala’s recent ally in government was acknowledged, with some debate about a potential partnership in the next term depending on poll outcomes. Vox, after four years in power, took the stance of stepping forward to present a concrete program. Pérez emphasized a desire to move beyond decades of pre-election rhetoric, while Robledillo urged voters to consider promises kept and the real impact on daily life.
During the parliamentary style exchange, the debate moderator highlighted the candidates’ plans for the city model. Copé opened by accusing a paralysis in administration and unequal development across neighborhoods, and he signaled a preference for a governance that would include Ana and Manolo as core partners to implement a shared approach. The Liberal candidate pushed for a budget increase to advance projects and challenged Vox on its positions, engaging in direct dialogue about concrete policy directions.
Perez then steered the conversation toward district equality and the distribution of resources. He described a vision of an Alicante that can thrive by harnessing its coastline, attracting investment, and strengthening regional industries. Robledillo pointed to rural areas and neighborhood inclusion, advocating for a city that is clean, accessible to tourists, and safer for residents, with a focus on reducing crime and improving social outcomes.
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Barceló reiterated a goal of elevating Alicante to a national and international stage by prioritizing employment and housing as pillars of a forward-looking project. Compromís defended the principle of a fifteen-minute city, while United for Alicante proposed a governance approach that champions social progress and gender equity. Cs argued that the city should be enhanced through a central urban park as a key green lung, and Vox asserted that climate concerns should not hamper the daily lives of residents.
The debate then moved to the core discussion on Alicante’s transformation, social protection, and tax policy. Copé argued that a tax system should balance the needs of the majority against privileges enjoyed by a few, while Barceló outlined measures aligned with broader regional initiatives that support families and ensure inclusive access to financial services for the elderly. She also spoke to the need for policies that expand the reach of banking services and enable broader financial inclusion.
Robledillo pressed for targeted tax relief to assist middle and working-class households facing inflation, and argued against using ideological tactics to steer public funds toward unrelated issues. Pérez reiterated Cs’ commitment to family-friendly policies, including educational measures such as after-school care, free meals, and support for working parents, underscoring the central role of the middle class in sustaining the city’s economy. The discussion also touched on how city budgets might be aligned with Madrid and Valencia in terms of broader policy frameworks.
Questions about potential coalitions dominated the post-debate chatter. Copé proclaimed a move beyond bipartisanship, while Mas emphasized a government led by Ana and Manolo. Barceló signaled concern about the possibility of a pact with Barcala and Vox, suggesting that the absence of a robust local program could invite risky alignments. Pérez urged Cs to pursue governance oriented toward reasonable policy, and Robledillo warned against inflammatory rhetoric and the appeal of extremist positions. A sense of urgency emerged as the candidates touted direct accountability and the promise of a government that serves all Alicante residents, seeking a sustainable, fair, and forward-looking path for the city. The debate closed with a call for practical leadership that keeps people at the center and avoids political theater, a message aimed at shaping the upcoming electoral decision for Alicante’s next administration.