The re-election of Pedro Sánchez as Head of Government sparked concern rather than optimism across Alicante province’s economic sectors. The shift of support from PSOE toward independence parties, coupled with political tensions, raised fears that investments could slow in a climate of instability. Worries about unequal treatment, especially for industry, threaten to affect competitiveness among autonomous communities. Tourism echoed those concerns, anticipating negative spillovers for the national market. Amid this mood, industry players unite in demanding: reject instability, reduce tax pressure, improve public finances, and create favorable conditions for economic activity to thrive.
Joaquín Pérez, president of the Valencian Community Business Confederation (CEV) in Alicante, highlights uncertainty’s impact on investment decisions. He advocates for equal treatment across regions and notes that the Valencian Community often faces worse financing, calling it the region that should be most compensated for its financing gaps. (Cited from regional business briefings.)
Maite Antón, president of the Alicante Family Business Association (Aefa), urges a calm approach while defending constitutional rights. She emphasizes the long-standing framework that has supported major economic and social progress in the country, and she calls for administrative simplification and a reduction of the tax burden to back the growth of family-owned enterprises. (Cited from industry roundtables.)
So what does the industry think? Marián Cano, head of the Valencian Association of Footwear Entrepreneurs (Avecal), focuses on anticipated unequal treatment among communities and the effect of political instability on investment. He also notes concerns about agreements with independence movements that would ease companies’ return from Catalonia and affect free competition. He urges decisive sectoral support. (Cited from sector analyses.)
Sánchez will take the oath of office as Head of Government in the presence of the King this Friday at 10:00.
Jorge Ibáñez, president of the Federation of Metal Entrepreneurs of Alicante Province (Fempa), describes the power dynamics as harmful to the country, citing the PSOE-Junts agreement as a source of distortion. He argues that both national investment and the operations of foreign and domestic companies could suffer in a general sense. He contemplates options such as a new election or, failing that, an arrangement between PSOE and PP, which he regards as unlikely given current trajectories. (Cited from regional business commentary.)
Pepe Serna, president of the Valencian Association of Textile Entrepreneurs (Ateval), echoes similar concerns about the appointment. He calls for a central government that governs for all Spaniards and all autonomous communities, outlining a long list of demands—ensuring strong sectoral support, securing European recovery funds for SMEs, and ensuring that economic policy strengthens competitiveness. (Cited from industry statements.)
José Antonio Pastor, general manager of the Association of Spanish Toy Manufacturers (AEFJ), stresses that certainty is essential for operations. He argues that the current instability undermines business, calling for a climate conducive to economic development and competitiveness. (Cited from manufacturing sector notes.)
Luis Horcajuelo, president of the Mármol de Alicante association, living mostly in Barcelona, expresses frustration and accuses Sánchez of “leaving half of the Catalans hostage” to push his government agenda. He urges governance that promotes peace and supports private enterprise. (Cited from regional trade associations.)
Tourism
Tourism, a pillar for Alicante, voices concern about instability. Fede Fuster, president of the Hosbec employers’ association, emphasizes that the economy seeks security, and notes that the impact is likely more pronounced on national tourism than international travel, given rising costs and tighter margins. (Cited from hospitality sector briefings.)
The Association of Hospitality Entrepreneurs of the Province of Alicante (Apeha) links tourism closely with the current climate. Its president, Mar Valera, believes the situation will not affect tourism in the short term but warns about longer-term uncertainty. He stresses that investments are crucial; without them, everyone loses. (Cited from tourism sector comments.)
Jesualdo Ros, secretary general of the Association of Real Estate Developers of the Province of Alicante (Provia), sees potential government action on housing for vulnerable groups but remains wary about the Valencian Community’s competitiveness if debt is forgiven. He cautions that relative advantages could erode compared with other regions. (Cited from real estate development discourse.)
Sánchez begins uncertain tenure marked by dependence on ERC and Junts
Javier Gisbert, president of the Federation of Public Works of the Province of Alicante (Fopa), calls for regional equality and warns against unequal investment distribution, arguing that large sums intended for one port should not bypass other regions. He mentions a specific investment commitment in the Port of Valencia that could be redirected elsewhere. (Cited from infrastructure discussions.)
José Vicente Andreu, president of Asaja Alicante, discusses agricultural policy amid climate challenges. He highlights urgent water shortage issues and the need to stop cuts to the Tajo-Segura transfer. He also urges the government to press Brussels on reciprocity agreements with export partners and to invest in resilient irrigation infrastructure. (Cited from agricultural policy briefs.)
There is notable opposition to reducing working hours without a collective bargaining agreement. Marián Cano of Avecal argues that social dialogue should guide such decisions, warning that unilateral limits could harm labor-intensive sectors and erode competitiveness. He also criticizes social measures perceived as burdens on companies. (Cited from labor relations discussions.)
Jesualdo Ros of Provia echoes the call to respect social dialogue, cautioning that unnegotiated changes to the working day could undermine core collective bargaining principles. (Cited from labour policy commentary.)