The Alicante Provincial Council approves 5 million in aid for employment and economy

The plenary session of the Alicante Provincial Council has given the green light today to a package of aid amounting to almost five million euros (5.5 million dollars), aimed at boosting the economy, promoting employment, and improving water infrastructure in the municipalities of the province. The proposal, approved unanimously, reflects the provincial institution's commitment to local development and sustainability.

The president of the Provincial Council, Toni Pérez, highlighted that "this aid is a demonstration of the essential role of the Provincial Council in supporting municipalities, contributing to economic reactivation and the improvement of basic services such as water supply."

Promotion of economic development and employment

With an allocation of 2.55 million euros (2.8 million dollars), 12% more than the previous year, the subsidies for economic development will focus on the modernization of markets, the promotion of trade fairs, the encouragement of agriculture, support for rural areas, and the creation of urban gardens. Carlos Pastor, Deputy of Economic Development, detailed that "practically half of his department's budget is allocated to this aid."

Municipalities at risk of depopulation, included in the Valencian Anti-Depopulation Agenda (AVANT), will be prioritized, with subsidies covering 100% of the cost in localities with fewer than 5,000 inhabitants. Additionally, aid for fairs and trade events is increased to 880,000 euros (968,000 dollars) and for market modernization to 208,000 euros (229,000 dollars).

Improvement of the water cycle

In terms of water infrastructure, the Provincial Council allocates 2.3 million euros (2.5 million dollars) for supply and sanitation projects. This aid is directed to municipalities, both for works executed directly by the councils and by the Provincial Council itself.

Furthermore, management assignments for the potable water and sewerage service have been formalized in the municipalities of Alfafara, Millena, and Tibi, strengthening institutional collaboration in the management of water resources.

Cultural claims and debates in the plenary session

The plenary session also supported the request of the municipality of Busot to declare les Coves de Canelobre as a Site of Cultural Interest (BIC), an enclave that, according to socialist deputy Raúl Ruiz, "is a flagship of Alicante's archaeological heritage."

Additionally, a motion by VOX, with an amendment from the PP, was approved to request the reinstatement of the Cross of Plaza de España in Callosa de Segura, following a TSJ-CV ruling recognizing its heritage value. The proposal caused an intense debate among political groups, reflecting divergent positions on the interpretation of the Democratic Memory Law.

Finally, a motion by Compromís, supported by the PSOE, to demand compliance with the teaching staff agreement was rejected, citing a lack of budgetary allocation during the management of the previous regional government.

These decisions reflect the dynamism of the plenary session of the Alicante Provincial Council, where resource management and political debate coexist in the search for solutions for provincial development.