In Torrevieja, discussions in the Cortes of Valencia highlighted a major commitment from the Ministry of Social Services, Equality and Housing to unlock housing for people with functional diversity. The announcement came during a formal session, signaling a broader plan that includes not only Torrevieja but neighboring municipalities as well, with the aim of establishing a supervised center for minors in the area.
The topic surfaced as a representative from Compromís raised questions about the dual-use designation of a building managed by the Botànic administration. The center had been classified to serve both functional diversity needs and children, prompting debate over policy directions. The mayor, Eduardo Dolón, indicated that allocating resources exclusively to functional diversity could jeopardize European funds allocated for facility reforms. The question was posed whether minors should be accommodated in that facility, and whether a refusal to do so might signal alignment with xenophobic or racially charged positions often attributed to far-right groups.
The minister, Susana Camarero, responded by outlining intensive discussions with the mayor and local social institutions to document an urgent situation. She underscored that no European funds would be misused or withdrawn and affirmed that vulnerable children in Torrevieja and surrounding communities would be provided with a dedicated center that offers appropriate care and supervision.
The conversation also included criticism of past Botànic-era interventions. Several 24-hour centers addressing gender-based violence in Alicante, Torrevieja, Dénia, Valencia, and Castellón have reported contractual deficiencies and disagreements over staff salaries since 2019. The ongoing disputes were noted as part of a broader audit of how social services are funded and managed under current policy.
Additionally, opposition parties were reminded of a University of Alicante report indicating that a first pact against gender-based violence had achieved only 22 percent effectiveness over five years. The document was cited in the context of evaluating the progress of protective measures and the broader social safety net in the region.