Tourism, water, and Vega Renace form a trio of focal points in the ongoing debate over the Generalitat’s upcoming year budgets for Alicante. The Socialist party argues that these areas suffer from notable funding shortfalls, a stance voiced by José Chulvi, deputy spokesperson in the Valencian Cortes, who points the finger at Carlos Mazón, president of the regional government, for slowing growth in the Alicante province.
On Thursday in Alicante, Chulvi joined regional deputies Mario Villar and Mayte García to review the budget package Mazón’s administration presented. The ministers face criticism for an apparent 124 million euro reduction in planned investments for the province. Chulvi emphasizes that these are the first cuts Alicante has seen in eight years, accusing Mazón of using the State Council as a platform to advance provincial interests rather than defend them, and suggesting the budget cuts came swiftly and decisively.
Chulvi warns that the proposed budgets could stall the province’s development across several sectors, citing diminished resources for employment, housing, and infrastructure, with a particular concern for water projects. He notes that after transfers, strategic works in the Júcar-Vinalopó basin were postponed and that there was a modest subsidy of 30,000 euros allocated to organizations such as the European-Mediterranean Water Institute. He argues that rather than fostering dialogue, the plan appears to extend the water dispute beyond its boundaries.
Villar highlights that the Innovation, Industry, Trade, and Tourism department, led by Nuria Montes, faces a 15 percent budget cut. He stresses the importance of tourism for Alicante and notes the budget would fall back to 2020 levels, with a 20 percent reduction. He warns that the culture and interior tourism lines could bear the brunt most heavily, while funding to the Patronato may be altered. He also mentions that Costa’s administration might see increases elsewhere, and Blanca Costa adds that any promotion executed under Turisme Comunitat Valenciana leaves room for questions about possible political favors in favor of Mazón.
In discussing the 2024 accounts, Villar questions the trajectory of the new autonomous government’s economic model. He contends that the proposed policies resemble a brick-focused approach that prioritizes heavy construction and private interests over a broader social agenda. The sense that the legislature is shifting away from a public-facing, residential vision toward a more exclusive, privilege-driven framework is a central concern for him.
García concludes by pointing to the Vega Renace plan, a key proposal backed by Botànic for Vega Baja’s recovery after the 2019 DANA storm. She notes that the plan has largely vanished from the current budgets and complains about a lack of clear definitions regarding its future, including what is planned for Alicante’s intermodal station and other regional projects. The absence of detail fuels concerns about the region’s long-term recovery strategy and investment clarity.
2024 accounts grow by 4.5% to maintain social spending and pay off debt
The budget discussion comes amid broader financial considerations as the administration outlines how to sustain social spending while managing debt. In Alicante, observers and lawmakers watch closely how allocations will support essential services, housing initiatives, and employment programs while ensuring the province does not fall behind neighboring areas. The balancing act between new investments and fiscal restraint remains a central theme in the budget negotiations, with stakeholders urging transparent criteria for any future spending redraws and accountability for promised programs.
As the dialogue continues, Villar stresses the need for a coherent economic strategy that respects both growth and social protections. He argues for a plan that keeps investment in inland municipalities and strategic water projects on track, while still advancing tourism and innovation. The debate underscores a wider question about how the province can align its development goals with the realities of a changing regional economy and an evolving national budget framework. The conversations reflect a shared desire to clarify priorities and ensure that funding decisions translate into tangible benefits for Alicante residents, workers, and businesses alike.
The discussions around Vega Renace and related regional investments illustrate the ongoing tension between rapid infrastructure development and the need for sustainable, well-defined policy initiatives. The outcome of these negotiations will shape Alicante’s capacity to compete, attract investment, and strengthen its social programs in the years ahead. The budget process remains a critical arena where local voices seek to influence how resources are allocated and how the province can chart a more resilient course forward.