A water policy debate dominates the Alicante regional assembly
The General Assembly focused on water management following the adjustments to the Tagus-Segura transfer, a move that has raised concerns among farmers across the province. Lawmakers highlighted the need for clear, fair allocation of water resources at the national level while also considering proposals to reduce the digital divide and address issues related to sedition legislation and related security concerns. While this will be the final ordinary session of the year for the county council, an extraordinary meeting will still be necessary to approve next year’s budgets. Preparations for the 2023 accounts have moved forward, with the High Court of the Valencian Community endorsing a precautionary halt to the Consell plan, pending contributions to the Municipal Cooperation Fund from the State Assembly.
Transfer policy and regional leadership under scrutiny
The provincial council president, Carlos Mazón, reiterated his firm stance against actions by the Generalitat Valenciana and its Socialist president, Ximo Puig, signaling a confrontation ahead of regional elections planned for the coming year. Mazón’s rhetoric on water policy and the Tagus-Segura transfer framed the political debate and positioned the regional leadership on a collision path with the Generalitat.
Alicante Provincial Assembly moves into election mode: sedition charges surface against the Consell
Commenting on the unfolding events, a leading figure from the popular ranks referred to the opening as a strategic moment, directing criticism at the Generalitat’s leadership. The head of the Provincial Assembly accused the regional government of complicity in keeping certain central government decisions under wraps, arguing that such silence could constitute a new legal exposure for the province. The clashes come amid broader concerns about government investment and the national budget for the upcoming year.
National policy signals shape regional discussions
Recent plenary talks featured two resolutions advanced by the People’s Party, which governs the provincial institution alongside Ciudadanos. The proposals focus on reducing penalties for rioting and revisiting the controversial party-line measures around consent-based legislation. The moves align with a broader national strategy aimed at challenging the sitting administration under Pedro Sánchez and creating a pathway for Alberto Núñez Feijóo, the party leader, to assume the presidency next year. In parallel, the political maneuvering also seeks to influence the Generalitat leadership as the 2023 electoral cycle approaches, underscoring the interconnected nature of regional and national politics.