PSPV-PSOE’s national executive commission gathered in Vega Baja to reaffirm its firm stance on the Tajo-Segura transfer, presenting a corporate declaration that underlines its irrevocable position. Party spokesperson and Deputy Secretary for Equality Ana Domínguez framed the discussion around the infrastructure, noting that the transfer remains central to the region’s economy. He described it as indispensable for the provincial economy and for the broader southeast, calling it a guarantee of employment and modernization. The message was clear: the aim is not to target any group, but to ensure Alicante residents have access to water at affordable prices while avoiding any anti-competitive policy posture from opponents.
Beyond the immediate issue, the party reiterated its commitment to a visible presence throughout the Valencian Community at the 14th congress and signaled a gathering at Plaza at 11 am on Tuesday. Domínguez highlighted the importance of a broad party representation in front of the Sub-Delegation of the Government, stressing a long-standing commitment to defend the interests of water users across the region.
In the approved declaration, it is stated that if Alicante irrigators have raised concerns, it is because they must use water efficiently and conscientiously. The declaration emphasizes that the water resources from the era support drinking water supply to 35 municipalities, with close to 60% of the local population relying on this resource. It also criticizes the Ministry’s push to increase ecological flows on the Tagus, arguing that the proposals lack technical, ecological, and hydraulic justification. The statement warns that any alteration in transfer conditions that harms Alicante’s irrigators could jeopardize 8,000 jobs, 12,000 hectares of crops, and an annual economic contribution of 122 million euros to the regional GDP. For these reasons, PSPV states its clear and unequivocal opposition to changes that would disadvantage local water users.
Domínguez also noted that the Orihuela meeting would honor socialist Carolina Gracia. Following the no-confidence motion that removed the previous PP government, Gracia’s election as mayor was celebrated as a turning point. The remarks stressed that the Generalitat presidency, represented by Ximo Puig, ensured a constant presence in Orihuela and Vega Baja, not merely a ceremonial appearance. Gracia concluded that the new Generalitat agenda includes projects defending Orihuela and Vega Baja, presenting Vega Renhace as a key partner and reaffirming the importance of the Tajo-Segura transfer to the region. The local socialist group suggested that the new administration will pursue a case initiated by the former PP mayor against a central government royal decree before the Supreme Court, continuing legal considerations.
Consell and Diputación will base their resources on the irreparable socio-economic damage from the cutting of Tajo-Segura.
Meanwhile, Luis Quesada, a member of the Orihuela Council for Rural Development and Agriculture, voiced strong criticism of Carlos Mazón, the head of PPCV and Diputación. He accused Mazón of sectarianism and deliberate obstruction on water resources, pointing to relocations in Orihuela and a shift of council activities to Albatera without notice. The mayor described the situation as emblematic of a broader contrast: one side uses the water debate as a political tool, while the other acts with practical judgment in the service of Orihuela and the wider region.
The PSPV-PSOE at the state level drew a larger crowd, gathering more than 200 people in Los Montesinos to defend the Tajo-Segura transfer as non-negotiable. Joaquín Hernández, the party’s general secretary in Vega Baja and mayor of Dolores, argued that the defense is not about party lines but about an absolute insistence on the transfer’s viability. He urged water users to stay steadfast, declaring the transfer inalienable and promising to mobilize necessary strength in any venue. In closing, he invited Mazón to meet with the president, underscoring that the Diputación and the Consell must stand together to defend the interests of all residents, because division would only weaken the region.