The PP demonstrated a strong stance this Saturday at the local level, positioning municipalities as the front line of opposition to the government led by Pedro Sánchez. Almost all of Alicante province’s popular mayors attended a regional event to express their rejection of the Amnesty Law and to characterize what they call a central government usurpation by Catalan independence supporters. The gathering was orchestrated across Spain, and in Alicante the show of force stood out for the sheer number of municipalities under PP leadership, reinforced by the presence of Generalitat president Carlos Mazón.
Several mayors read the event’s manifesto in sequence; Toni Pérez, Benidorm’s mayor and the county council chair, opened and closed the session while other councilors from towns like Albatera, Almoradí, Santa Pola, El Campello, Biar, and Busot took turns with their statements. Alicante’s mayor, Luis Barcala, also attended. They condemned what they described as unfair and arbitrary decisions by the government aimed at pleasing investment partners and criticized Sánchez for prioritizing the demands of separatist groups over other issues.
For many of these municipalities, the actions described as an “institutional disruption” raise concerns about attacks on fundamental constitutional principles and the equal treatment of Spaniards. They stressed the need to recognize that there are citizens who feel treated as first- and second-class, and reaffirmed their commitment to uphold the Constitution and ensure its observance. They also criticized issues related to security, arguing that the government has negotiated with independents and labeling the Amnesty Law as unfair and abnormal, suggesting it may contravene the separation of powers.
After the manifesto was read, Mazón took the floor to commend the PP’s opposition to the government’s policies and, in particular, to the local-level struggles. He claimed that democracy, coexistence, freedom, and dialogue would be illuminated thanks to this opposition. He highlighted several points of criticism, including the assertion that there is now what he described as good terrorism and that clearing a police officer’s head is defensible only under certain circumstances. Mazón argued that the current moment calls for staying engaged and ensuring that society remains alert rather than being influenced by disruptive forces. He noted that the province of Alicante, the Valencian Community, and Spain are at a crossroads.
Mazón also cited the Valencian Community as an example of how the independence movement faced a decisive setback, linking this stance to Valencian nationalism and even to the spread of Valencian language in schools. He stated that the PP has halted a process he described as encroaching on the region, particularly within the education system. He linked the recent regional election results to this shift and insisted that the PP’s posture demonstrates resistance to the ongoing “Procés.” Toni Pérez added that the national government is pushing for division, and described the constitutional assault as intensifying.