ADDA hosted the main act of the 19th anniversary celebrations last night, marking a milestone in the region’s civic calendar. The bicentennial event gathered the councilors of the State Assembly Alicante and members of the Provincial Palace group, underscoring the institution’s foundational role in shaping the province. The gathering became a focal point for municipal leadership as mayors from 100 of the province’s 141 municipalities convened to discuss shared needs and services for residents, especially in the smaller communities. In remarks reported as authoritative by the presidency, Carlos Mazón highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen the Alicante region and ensure that all municipalities receive appropriate attention and public services (Citation: Provincial Assembly of Alicante).
Mazón presided over the closing of the ADDA symphony hall’s commemorative program, an evening that drew more than a thousand attendees. The leader spoke firmly about the Provincial Assembly’s evolving role in supporting city councils and affirmed their demand for autonomy and freedom of movement in local decision-making (Citation: Provincial Assembly of Alicante).
The night capped a year rich with bicentennial activities, reinforcing the purpose of the celebration as a chance to reflect on the institution’s milestones while outlining the benefits of its work. In his greeting to attendees, Mazón stressed that the safety and well-being of the people who rely daily on provincial services are the top priority of the Assembly’s action (Citation: Provincial Assembly of Alicante).
difficulties
The State Legislature has acknowledged a pressing challenge for the 21st century: depopulation in 88 of the 141 Alicante towns, each with fewer than 10,000 inhabitants. To counter this trend, Mazón emphasized that the agency is pursuing a plan against depopulation through targeted investments and subsidies. In his ADDA remarks, the director of the institution outlined a strategy that prioritizes infrastructure, cultural and sports facilities, environmental protection, rural development, and improved road networks across districts (Citation: Provincial Assembly of Alicante).
Support from other political groups within the Assembly was acknowledged by Mazón, who noted that cross-party collaboration has enabled significant investments and extraordinary programs aimed at vulnerable families, small and medium enterprises, the self-employed, and responses to climate challenges. He praised a conciliatory approach with the opposition, inviting compromise on budgets announced during the event. Mazón also highlighted four-year challenges including the DANA impact on Vega Baja, this summer’s wildfires, the pandemic’s aftereffects, and broader economic pressures from Ukraine and a rising energy crisis (Citation: Provincial Assembly of Alicante).
thanks
The president, mayors, council members, and staff voiced gratitude to everyone who contributed to making the Provincial Assembly a strong support tool for the province’s municipalities. Employees and officials across the autonomous bodies were thanked for their dedication, with Mazón noting that their efforts are rewarded. The closing portion of the speech featured two main calls: fair government funding for the province in line with new regional budget challenges, and the ongoing water management discussions surrounding the Tajo-Segura transfer. He asserted that the province’s eligibility must be respected and called for funding equity to complete essential infrastructure and resources for the region. Water supply concerns were framed as vital for the survival of both residents and agricultural workers (Citation: Provincial Assembly of Alicante).
Diputación de Alicante: 200 years planting state lands
The remaining leaders from the political groups represented at the Provincial Assembly attended the event. Javier Gutiérrez of Cs emphasized that the Assembly serves as the best remedy against depopulation. On the opposition side, socialist Toni Frances celebrated two centuries of service to municipalities, noting the value of aiding smaller communities. The Alcoy mayor expressed optimism about the moment as an opportunity to reflect and promote modernization within the County Council, reduce bureaucratic hurdles, and make procedures more efficient for municipalities. Frances criticized the government team’s decisions on certain cooperation funds, aligning with a recent TSJ ruling to support reform measures (Citation: Provincial Assembly of Alicante).
strategies
Gerard Fullana, spokesperson for Compromís, offered a pointed critique of current approaches, arguing for more effective and practical ways to distribute funds to towns. He nonetheless acknowledged the Assembly’s positive attributes, including clearer contact channels and greater unity among representatives from different municipalities (Citation: Provincial Assembly of Alicante).
Regarding yesterday’s ADDA ceremony, the program began with officials arriving around 19:00. Mazón greeted around one hundred mayors, delivering his remarks before a rehearsal and performance by the Catalan company Fura dels Baus, showcased with the ADDA Simfònica orchestra under the baton of Josep Vicen. The event promised an extraordinary season in the Alicante auditorium with all tickets sold, underscoring the cultural momentum behind the institution’s bicentennial mission (Citation: Provincial Assembly of Alicante).
family photo
After the cultural show, family photographs were taken on a four-floor platform set above the ADDA hall. The group included the current president, vice-presidents, spokespersons, deputies, participating mayors, and former leaders. The photography session was followed by a gala dinner with invited guests. Before the meal, Mazón and the four political group spokespeople addressed the crowd, culminating in an affirmation of the province’s autonomy and continued municipal support (Citation: Provincial Assembly of Alicante).
In closing, the speakers highlighted the autonomy of the province and the sustained support provided to municipalities via the State Palace, with a particular focus on assisting the smallest communities.