a debate marked by gaps in basic services, a need for expansion of health infrastructure, and the long awaited opening of the swimming pool deck. The six parties represented in the El Campello City Council, competing in the 28M elections, gathered this Monday for a debate organized by INFORMACIÓN and Información TV. The exchange highlighted accusations against the PP from opponents who denounced four years of paralysis, including parties that previously shared governance with the people themselves: CS and Vox. The scene recalled a shared responsibility among the left-leaning groups that have been in government together for three years.
The main candidates included Popular mayor Juanjo Berenguer, seeking a third term; Vicente Vaello, who led the Socialists for the second time; Julio Jan seeking a third term for Cs; Adriana Paredes seeking her first term for Compromís; Pedro Mario Pardo, a member of parliament who leads a coalition including Unidas Podemos; and Vox’s new leader, José Manuel Grau.
The Populars vow to reopen the closed facility in 2024, Cs is already acting, and ultra formation remains aligned with the municipal government.
Initially, the PP’s leading candidate outlined the program axes as health, education, safety, and well being, while Compromís called for relief from paralysis and for improvements in management and growth investments seen in the City Council. The United States described the last four years as the worst in El Campello’s history, citing serious gaps in essential services. Vox urged clarity on this management failure. Cs criticized the PP for a lack of dialogue and agreement, recalling Berenguer’s temporary removal from the council in November after accusations of administrative irregularities. The PSOE denounced four lost years and lamented the mismanagement and lack of services in the municipality.
“In the face of Generalitat’s negligence, we will expand the health center and build the Muchavista office.”
In the city and tourism model bloc, the EU supported an alternative to the PP approach, promising a model that respects local culture, protects our coves and beaches, and looks after the elderly, residents, and youth. The emphasis was on a balanced approach to healthy leisure as well as cultural heritage, with attention to surroundings and the environment.
Juanjo Berenguer (PP) stressed that the party aims to shape a leading, valuable, and desirable destination, with a focus on improving the environment in all aspects. The accessibility plan includes sidewalk renovations, pedestrianization of parts of the urban area, and several municipal zones. There was also mention of aid for vulnerable groups, improvements to all sports facilities, the construction of a large sports arena in Muchavista, and a new sports center in the same area.
“We need to improve basic services such as cleaning and a very neglected park and garden.”
Jose Manuel Grau (Vox) announced plans to boost Social Services, including a Family Office and an emphasis on reconciliation. He proposed a roundabout at the intersection near the French High School, a 365-day police checkpoint in Muchavista, and better connections with neighboring municipalities. He criticized the absence of a councilor during this term, calling the four years an ordeal despite serving on the governing board with his predecessor until recently.
Adriana Paredes (Compromís) defended a sustainable El Campello with a youth center, a seniors center, and commitments to help local businesses, attract digital and innovative companies, and relocate the library to a larger space. Vicente Vaello (PSOE) highlighted the rehabilitation of Villa Marco and stressed the need to improve essential services such as cleaning and parks, noting that the master plan had been stalled for a year. Julio Jan (Cs) advocated upgrading basic services, an improved accident response plan, and a new PGOU because the current plan dates back to 1986. He also proposed a citizen advisory office for municipal procedures and housing.
“The accounts are unrealistic and do not meet the basic needs of this municipality.”
40 million in the bank
The PP argued that the City Council held roughly 40 million in reserve with no reinvestment, explaining the funds were restricted by law. They proposed taking a repayment loan the following year to fund new projects. They noted that the projects they had planned required more time than six months. The PSOE countered that the law had changed and that Pedro Sánchez had provided space to invest, pointing out that the lack of reinvestment stemmed from the dissolution of the city budget, not the absence of funds. The EU criticized the PP for repeating promises from 2019 without action and labeled the administration chaotic, making it hard to approve even a single budget over four years. They described the accounts as unrealistic and not meeting basic needs.
“We must emerge from the paralysis that the El Campello City Council has suffered.”
Regarding the pool, which was completed seven years ago, filled with water but never opened, all participants agreed it should be opened. Most did not specify how it would be operated, though the PP and Cs proposed external management, with Cs promising to run it municipally in 2024. Vox suggested a practical approach. The parties also demanded the renewal of the sewerage network to stop fecal discharges and odors from landfills.
Education
Educational priorities included plans for at least one additional school. All groups supported strengthening vocational training, while the PP blamed the Generalitat for delays. The PSOE asserted that many degrees were not implemented due to lack of political will.
“It was a government to be forgotten. The PP proposes the same as four years ago.”
On health, the PP pushed for expanding facilities, including a new Muchavista office and the expansion of the clinic in the town center and the northern area. Compromís and PSOE also backed expansions of the seaside clinic and health center, noting that the regional Ministry budgeted funds for 2023 but required land from the City Council. PSOE and Compromís also pressed the Generalitat for housing and elder care initiatives, arguing the City Council had not shown interest in developing projects or transferring land.
“To vote for the same people who are in power and those who make it difficult for the opposition would be throwing the vote away.”
In deals outside the European Union, Compromís advocated for a more transparent campellero approach, Cs claimed to be free to side with any coalition, and Vox warned against negative implications for the City Council if Berenguer remained in control. The PP insisted it was not negotiating deals while hoping for a majority. The PSOE reminded that they were always willing to cooperate, noting a failed motion of no confidence in the current leadership.
Municipal election results in Alicante 2023 28M
Remember that on May 28 you can review the results in the official records. Municipal elections in Alicante 2023.