In Valencia, José Juan Zaplana, a well-known deputy in the Cortes, voiced sharp criticism yesterday over Euronews’ claimed arrival in Alicante. He noted that the event never materialized, describing the episode as a political maneuver that echoed a prior banner headline from the former president of the Consell, Ximo Puig. Zaplana argued that the supposed press push to relaunch the Digital Zone in Alicante amounted to little more than an election-season spectacle that did not translate into concrete plans or commitments, despite the project’s public exposure in May 2022 with grand fanfare and the establishment of its only base in Spain at the time.
Following Carlos Mazón’s appearance at the Consell, Zaplana asserted that there was no definitive project or binding agreement to back the idea. He pointed out that any mention of the plan had already been folded into the Generalitat’s budget for the previous year, suggesting the initiative lacked new momentum or a solid footing.
Employment ambitions and the reality on the ground
Zaplana reminded listeners that the former administration had committed to generating 6,000 direct and indirect jobs, a pledge he characterized as political rhetoric rather than a genuine economic program. He emphasized that the present government should reframe the debate around the innovation zone with a focus on measurable outcomes and real opportunities.
He conveyed a message to the Mazón administration: the aim is to restart the innovation area in the Alicante province with practical actions that give existing companies a clearer growth path and attract new investments. The objective is to move beyond mere announcements and toward tangible progress that stakeholders can see and count on.
According to Zaplana, the current leadership should ensure that investment from the PPCV translates into real benefits, turning recent declarations into practical results rather than mirages that fade quickly. He urged policymakers to align all new commitments with concrete timelines, budgets, and verifiable milestones that demonstrably advance the regional economy.