According to data presented by the socialist party, the municipalities of Vega Baja will go from receiving 2.56 million euros in 2025 to only 1.29 million in 2026 within this program of the Alicante Provincial Council. This decrease represents a worrying halving of funds.
The socialists argue that this cut is part of a progressive reduction trend in the provincial plan over recent years. They have pointed out that the program would have gone from having 44.5 million euros in 2023 to just 8.8 million in 2026, an evolution that, according to the party, demonstrates a 'deliberate policy of abandonment of municipalities'.
“"The reality is clear: less funding means fewer opportunities for our towns. We cannot allow the Vega Baja to continue to be punished in this way."
Joaquín Hernández, secretary general of the PSPV-PSOE in the region, has described this reduction as 'another blow from the PP to the Vega Baja'. He has argued that the provincial institution should be there to 'help local councils' and not to 'cut'.
Hernández has highlighted the importance of the +Cerca Plan for local councils, as it provides freely available funding. These funds allow municipalities to hire staff, cover essential municipal expenses, and promote local activities and services, being crucial for daily operations.
The party warns that the decrease in these aids could have direct consequences on the provision of public services. Local councils might find it more difficult to maintain municipal facilities, sustain social, cultural, and sports activities, and cover basic needs, increasing economic pressure on local administrations.
