Discussions centered on the perceived overreach by the Alicante Provincial Council into social services, a topic that sparked intense debate among regional leaders. The dialogue referenced the collaboration between Dr. Esquerdo and the Provincial House, highlighting how this dispute rose to prominence before being eclipsed by other issues, notably the Municipal Cooperation Fund. Carlos Mazón, who led the provincial body at the time and is now president of the regional government, urged for devolved powers and pressed for more autonomy. He even formalized a pact with former vice president and former minister Mónica Oltra back in August 2020, a move the two leaders described as historic. With Mazón now at the helm of the Generalitat, the political landscape appears to shift, with PSPV-PSOE signaling a commitment to accountability and compliance.
Photovoltaic installations across the province
Compromís tabled a motion advocating for a democratic and environmentally responsible ecological transition. The group questioned the central government’s approach to large photovoltaic plants being built in Alicante, insisting that the central authorities respect regional planning powers and avoid authorizing projects that conflict with regional regulations. The proposal found support from the People’s Party, with PSPV choosing to abstain and Vox voting against it. This development served as a practical example of the ongoing tug-of-war over who should control energy-related projects in the region. [Source: plenary records, November ordinary general assembly]
Evidence of this dispute was evident in the socialist-led motion presented at yesterday’s ordinary general assembly. Although the PSPV proposal, backed by Compromís, did not pass due to opposition from MPs from the People’s Party and a Vox representative, concerns were voiced about the government’s course. The Popular Group argued that the current and future administrations are working to complete the transfer process, countering what they described as a negative legacy left by Botànic after eight years of autonomous governance. In a key remark, Popular MP José Antonio Bermejo highlighted an increase in budget allocations for Health and Social Services in the Generalitat’s plans announced this week, indicating a shifting financial emphasis in health-related services. [Attribution: plenary debate notes]
New one-hundred-day term in the Provincial Assembly: a measured tone and steady governance
“This signing represents a pragmatic milestone and a tangible preview of what could be achievable”, Mazón remarked after a previous agreement with Oltra that had aimed to offset some of the telecare costs deemed inappropriate by the provincial authorities. The pact also opened pathways for transferring responsibilities, first from Doctor Esquerdo and subsequently from the State House, a matter currently under pressure from the socialist camp as observed at the year’s plenary session. [Plenary records, November]
Representative Raquel Marín outlined the Socialist proposal during the plenary debate, stressing the need to transfer control of two major centers. She pointed to Doctor Esquerdo and the State House as priorities and urged addressing the transfer eight years ago. The Provincial Council has long pursuit this objective, and the current push from the socialist group reflects persistent advocacy. In response, Popular Party member Bermejo countered by questioning the urgency of the move and calling it a political effort to harvest goodwill, while arguing that the new Generalitat leadership should maintain a consistent approach. [Plenary testimony]
The Socialists’ motion framed the discussion around ensuring a transparent transfer process, protecting the affected communities, and maintaining continuity of public service within a directly administered framework. Compromís spokesperson Ximo Perles referenced Mazón and asked for clarity on whether the transition is an ongoing struggle or a cooperative reform. Perles suggested that a smooth transfer would resolve ambiguities, while Vox’s Gema Alemán accepted that the proposal could liberalize finances but rejected the socialist framing of the process. [Policy notes]
Intermodal logistics and the June 24 holiday
The November session featured a broad range of topics. Compromís introduced another motion concerning the Alicante TRAM intermodal station, calling on the Generalitat to promptly award the project. The PSPV supported the motion, Vox abstained, and the PP voted against it. Socialist representatives also proposed recognizing June 24 as a regional holiday, a suggestion the Popular Group and Vox opposed, arguing that such a designation should come from the central government. This set of debates illustrated how regional identity and administrative prerogatives intersect with infrastructure planning and regional calendars. [Assembly minutes]
Overall, the assembly session underscored the delicate balance between regional autonomy and central oversight, a recurring theme in Alicante’s political discourse as each side tests the boundaries of influence over health, social services, and major regional projects. [General assembly notes]