A high-pitched plenary session concluded a term in La Vila Joiosa, marked by a heated debate among the PSOE, the PP, and a non-appointed councilor, a former Cs mayor who faced criticism from all sides. The opposition framed the tripartite government as a case of disastrous economic management and noted failure to honor many provisions of the Barbera pact. The administration returned to the legislative chamber defending its record and clashing with critics.
Discontent surfaced in the discussions over the 2022 economic management, which were scrutinized during the session. PP spokesperson Jaime Lloret and an unaffiliated councilor, Francisco Pérez Buigues, presented a report on the City Council’s finances that highlighted perceived inaction during eight years in office. Although three groups formed the local government, the critique mainly targeted the PSOE.
Budgets were not presented on time or in the correct format, necessitating an extension from the prior year. Projects that stalled or failed to deliver on promises associated with the Barbera pact—signed by PSOE, Compromís, and Gent per La Vila—were a central point of contention.
Socialist councilor for the Treasury, José Ramón Uclés, defended the stance, suggesting the opposition was simply rallying for political gain. He emphasized that the council had advanced many city initiatives and aimed to maintain a steady course on economic matters. The mayor echoed the sentiment, highlighting substantial city development during the current term.
The tone escalated as comments hinted at upcoming shifts in party alignment. There was mention of former councilors leaving their parties to join the PP list for 28M, signaling ongoing political maneuvering. Uclés asserted that more budgets had been approved than in the previous administration and reaffirmed a commitment to continue serving La Vila. He claimed that about 80 percent of the election program had been fulfilled, while labeling the opposition as intent on maintaining a political rally.
PP brought the floor to the former Cs councilor, who criticized the leadership team for what he called a chaotic and inefficient management. He asserted there was time to implement changes in eight years and urged the opposition to adopt constructive proposals. Pérez Buigues claimed that opposition ideas were already being enacted by the majority and stressed the importance of ongoing accountability.
Lloret underlined perceived failures to build infrastructure, create jobs, or perform essential maintenance, while noting that a reading of 44 out of 63 proposals had begun. Barbera pact provisions were accused of remaining unfulfilled, a charge denied by the opposing side.
Uclés pressed Lloret on accountability, accusing him of dishonesty and describing the former leader as part of a group that did not secure a victory in the latest elections. A new PP candidate, Marcos, weighed in on the budget responsibilities and argued that certain members of the former government were accountable for excessive debt in La Vila.
Another clash unfolded between the socialist mayor and the PP mayor, Pedro Ramis. Although the confrontation did not escalate physically, it featured sharp exchanges over respect and work ethic. Ramis contended that the other party had neither manners nor talent, while the socialist countered that years of service had earned him a measure of humility and persistence.
Gent per La Vila’s Pedro Alemany took the floor to criticize the last meeting’s behavior, arguing that the party faced a fragile structure and noting disappointment with how the session concluded. As the term neared its end, there was a sense that expectations for a different dynamic among the coalition partners would not be met.
The farewell plenary in Alicante: glimpses of emotion and cordial good wishes
The plenary saw two abstentions: one by Cs, framed as partisan use of municipal media by PSOE, and another by Isabel Perona of the PSOE in alliance with PP. The absences were attributed to a miscommunication about an email invitation from the socialist party. The debate intensified as Perona expressed frustration, while Cs leader Valentín Alcalá urged forgiveness for what was described as a simple error. The opposition remained critical, while the majority stood by its choices and argued that scrutiny should be directed at concrete outcomes rather than rhetoric.
Ceremonies wrapped up with a sense that political disagreements exist alongside a shared desire for local progress. The mayor offered a symbolic memento—a town emblem badge bearing each participant’s name—to mark the occasion and perhaps acknowledge the human side of public service as the session closed.