Senior officials from PSPV-PSOE will organize a demonstration in Alicante next Tuesday, May 17, in front of the Government sub-delegation. The party, led by Ximo Puig, has stepped up its effort to clearly signal its stance on maintaining state-supported water contributions, especially in Vega Baja, the area most affected by the Tagus-Hydrographic Confederation’s decision. By calling for an ecological flow at the river’s head, the approach aims to reduce the distribution of water. Valencia’s socialists aim to defend their right to oppose, countering the position of the PP, which seeks to capitalize on the dispute to safeguard this resource. The strategy combines ongoing legal action to preserve the transfer with street-level advocacy, all while racing against time.
The day before expected public turnout, PSPV-PSOE will hold a National Executive Commission meeting in Orihuela. With prominent party leaders in attendance, the following day’s concentration in the regional capital is anticipated to draw many participants. The movement centers on mounting pressure to prevent a perceived insult to the state. According to party sources, Roger Llanes, Regional Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development and head of the Valencian Agricultural Development and Guarantee Department, will join the defense efforts in Alicante on Friday; he also oversees Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries within the PSPV-PSOE. On Saturday, the national secretary-general is expected to lead another protest action. The party has instructed all municipalities within the Valencian Community to submit motions asking the Government to reconsider its decision. Yet this plan may not be enough to sway public sentiment.
Within several socialist circles, there is a sense that the party’s message is not resonating with citizens as strongly as it should, with the PP led by Carlos Mazón gaining traction. In Vega Baja, concerns run deeper as Vox intensifies its push by putting agriculture at the center of the conversation.
Today’s discussions about reducing the transfer and new charges against the province are on the agenda in the Valencian Parliament. The PP parliamentary group labeled Ximo Puig’s proposal for a committee of experts to assess the transfer as a mockery, accusing Compromís and Unides Podem of waging a water war against Valencia and its southern regions.
Compromís deputy MoreHe argued that the PP’s stance mirrors Carlos Mazón’s unclear “vision,” noting that it relates to Valencia, particularly in the southern areas where stronger support could emerge. Mas reaffirmed his party’s support for the Tajo-Segura transfer, calling it the sole measure that guarantees agricultural viability in the southern parts of the Community, and backed the Agriculture Minister Mireia Mullah in advocating for the transfer and assisting farmers through every possible channel.
The Board of Trustees meeting took place today in Cortes. It was underscored that the issue carries significant economic impact, with hundreds of jobs and millions of euros at stake, and calls for political dialogue before resorting to legal avenues if necessary.
Unides Podem’s representatives also criticized the PP for using water as a political weapon, emphasizing that water is a scarce resource and that agricultural needs in Alicante require responsible and sustainable use of water. Lima supported Puig’s idea to form an expert group to review all transfer alternatives, stressing the need to serve farmers’ interests in the best possible way.
On the PP side, Deputy Sindic Miguel Barrachina dismissed the committee as a mockery, urging Puig to stand firm and demand greater concessions from Madrid on water quantity and quality for the community. Cs representative Ruth Merino suggested the transfer debate reflects a broader lack of solidarity among autonomous communities and proposed a National Hydrological Plan born from political compromise and regional resolutions to address perceived injustices.
Vox’s regional leadership joined the call for a National Hydrological Plan to resolve distribution issues that affect every community, criticizing the PSOE for betraying the Valencian cause, especially in Alicante. Both Ciudadanos and Vox announced plans to attend the May 17 rally in Alicante to defend the Tajo-Segura transfer. PSPV deputy spokesperson Carmen Martinez stated that socialists would participate to push for water equity and solidarity, while lamenting what she saw as the PP’s attempts to sow division. Puig’s team pledged continued advocacy for dialogue and expert input to secure necessary resources for the region.
Ultimately, the socialist camp argues that stopping the dialogue would only raise tensions, whereas maintaining open channels could secure a balanced and sustainable water policy for the community. The overarching goal remains to ensure water governance that supports agriculture, regional stability, and the livelihoods tied to these waters—without sacrificing long-term environmental and economic health.
The situation remains dynamic as various parties prepare for public demonstrations and parliamentary discussions, all focusing on how best to manage a resource pivotal to the region’s economy and daily life.
We are talking about a critical issue affecting hundreds of jobs and substantial investment. If political channels fail to provide solutions, legal avenues could be necessary. Advocates insist on responsible and measured debate, with expertise guiding decisions that impact water quantity and quality for the community.
Representatives across parties stress the need for solidarity and prudent management, ensuring that agricultural interests in the Alicante region are respected while balancing the broader needs of the Community. The fight over the transfer continues to shape regional politics and policy, with the public watching closely how decisions will unfold in Valencia and beyond.
“Water is essential for life and livelihoods”, one spokesperson noted. “Resolving these questions requires cooperation, transparent discussion, and a shared commitment to the future of our agriculture and communities.”