From the left’s applause to the social agenda outlined by Pedro Sánchez in his appointment debate speech, to the right’s critique of the amnesty deal for pro-independence Catalan politicians, Alicante witnessed a charged session in the Congress of Deputies this Wednesday. The provinces’ representatives in Alicante noted that the socialists’ agreement with Junts and ERC could shape relations between Spain and Catalonia, while the PP argued that Sánchez prioritized his own interests over national needs. It is acknowledged that Alicante has long seen slower progress in General State Budget investments compared with other regions.
Alejandro Soler, a deputy and state secretary of PSPV, attended the congress and joined colleagues in underscoring the importance of the social agenda Sánchez proposed to keep driving prosperity, opportunity, and rights for citizens. Regarding the amnesty accord, Soler framed it as the product of a democratic process. A man from Elche criticized the PP for adopting a strategy of tension, arguing that Vox’s influence places Spain on a path that is complex but essential for its future.
The mayor of Elda, Rubén Alfaro, a socialist, highlighted the social agenda as key to the country’s progress and modernization. He stressed its inclusive approach, which involves youth, families, and retirees, and noted the commitment to a future shaped by respect for the environment. Alfaro pointed to true gender equality as a central pillar of this agenda and described the agreement as representing the broad majority of Spaniards.
Junts warns Sánchez that legislature cannot move forward without a “history-changing agreement”
The mayor of Alcoy, Toni Frances, reminded audiences that one of the Constitution’s core aims is to foster coexistence among Spaniards, and he believes the recent political agreement aiding Sánchez’s appointment has facilitated that goal. Ana Barceló, spokesperson for the PSPV municipal group in Alicante, emphasized Sánchez’s focus on housing access, viewing it as one of the province’s most pressing challenges.
Provincial Assembly President Toni Pérez, aligned with the PP, questioned the government’s legitimacy to form a majority, arguing it rested on a narrative of deceiving citizens and dividing society. The mayor of Benidorm accused Sánchez of prioritizing personal interests and called the deal disgraceful for potentially creating unequal autonomies. Pérez asserted that equality before the law was being compromised and that the Sánchez administration had disadvantaged Alicante through budget allocations.
In this vein, PPCV general secretary Juan Francisco Pérez Sánchez accused the socialist leadership of misinformation and criticized governance on issues vital to the Valencian Community, such as water, investment, and financing. The mayor of Finestrat additionally charged that Sánchez showed disdain for the Valencian Community, an insult to its residents. He predicted that the Catalan agreement would bring adverse consequences for regional autonomy.
The Alicante mayor from the People’s Party, Luis Barcala, stated on social media that Sánchez’s appearance in Congress revealed that no one voted for amnesty, which had been negotiated by the PSOE with independentists in exchange for votes that served party interests. Toni Pérez echoed this sentiment, adding that the PSOE’s offering to Parliament was inappropriate for the moment.
Sánchez and Feijóo open legislature tense with conflict over amnesty
From Elche, the popular mayor Pablo Ruz quoted Churchill to emphasize that compromising out of fear of conflict can lead to greater humiliation and conflict. He argued that it is not worth agreeing with those who oppose what one stands for, calling the deal a humiliation rather than a true agreement.
Aitana Mas, deputy spokesperson for Compromís in the Valencia Cortes, reminded readers that politics should aim to understand each other, reach agreements, and solve problems. Mas noted that Sumar, the coalition bringing together PSOE and Valencians, produced effective policy to form a government and highlighted the broader vision of a multilingual Spain standing against the far-right represented by Feijóo and Abascal.
Finally, Vox representatives in the Valencia Cortes, represented by Ana Vega, criticized Sánchez for allegedly aiming to undermine the rule of law, erase coexistence, and weaken the separation of powers. Vega warned that Spain could end up governed by someone seen as a fugitive from justice, in reference to Junts leader Carles Puigdemont.