Why Must the Government Address the Requests of the Port of Algeciras?

The directors of EDATV and Informa Radio, Javier Negre and Javier García Isaac, visited Algeciras to learn firsthand about the operations and facilities of one of Spain's most significant ports, the Port of Algeciras Bay. This port has handled more than 78 million metric tons (86 million tons) of goods up to September 2023, establishing itself as one of the main connection points in Europe.

To delve into the port's situation and its impact, they had the intervention of José Ignacio Landaluce, mayor of Algeciras, who compared the port's development to what it would have been if it were located in Barcelona. According to his statements, if the Port of Algeciras Bay had received the same financial support that has been allocated to Catalonia, the railway connection between France and Algeciras would have been operational a century ago.

Regarding the management of the new Minister of Transport and Sustainability, Óscar Puente, Landaluce highlighted that the projects managed by the Junta of Andalusia are progressing efficiently. However, he criticized the State's inaction, alluding to the funds promised in the annual budgets, of which only ten million have been received instead of the large investments announced.

The mayor also emphasized the urgency of improving the railway infrastructure in Andalusia. Concerning the situation of the Campo de Gibraltar after Brexit, he called for the realization of a fair agreement that addresses the region's minimum needs. He also urged the Government to implement the Campo de Gibraltar Plan, approved five years ago but still without effective application.

Meanwhile, the president of the Association of Municipalities of the Campo de Gibraltar, Susana Pérez Custodio, addressed the problem of water scarcity, a challenge the region has faced for years. To counteract it, she announced that restrictions will be implemented at the beginning of next year, some of which have already started. Additionally, given the high unemployment in the area, she highlighted the importance of training in the tourism sector, key to the local economy, and emphasized the attractions that Algeciras offers.

Expert Opinions
The imbalance in the distribution of investments between Catalonia and other autonomous communities like Andalusia and the Valencian Community was pointed out by Gerardo Landaluce, president of the Port Authority of Cádiz Bay. He mentioned that when Óscar Puente was mayor of Valladolid, he supported projects focused on the central transport axis, but now it is essential to prioritize the real economy and address business needs.

Gerardo Landaluce also emphasized the importance of the Port of Algeciras Bay as an economic engine and advocated for improving land connectivity infrastructures. He insisted on the need to give greater visibility to port activity and ensure the necessary support for its development.

On the other hand, Carlos Fenoy, president of the Chamber of Commerce of the Campo de Gibraltar, criticized that the regulations applied at the state and European levels do not consider the region's socioeconomic reality but follow general criteria without a detailed study of their impact. He expressed his concern about the hasty implementation of sustainability policies without adequately assessing their economic consequences.

Finally, Yessica Rodríguez Espinosa, councilor for Urban Planning, Works, and EU Funds in Algeciras, presented the 'Lago Marítimo' project, intended to become a new city center. She explained that this initiative will cover more than one thousand square meters (10,764 square feet) transformed into green areas and recreational spaces for the citizens. She also highlighted that there are other urban initiatives in development to improve the quality of life in Algeciras.