With the 2027 municipal elections on the horizon, the current budget year will be the last full one under the PP and Vox bipartite management. Both parties aspire to retain power, with the PP seeking the possibility of governing alone and Vox aiming to advance more of its agenda. Meanwhile, the opposition, mainly comprising the PSOE and Compromís, is trying to revitalize itself and present an alternative.
The municipal government team, led by Mayor Pablo Ruz, has focused its efforts on disseminating events, company visits, and inaugurations, as well as daily management. This frenetic activity, including tree planting and shade generation, has generally been well-received, although it has also affected the mayor's health, requiring a few days of leave. In terms of projects, there is a pragmatic approach, as seen with Nuevos Riegos El Progreso and the pedestrian walkway over Altabix. Efforts are also being made to repurpose the future Jayton complex (to be named Maestro Alfredo Javaloyes) as a professional conservatory, a proposal Compromís deems unrealistic.
However, some major announced initiatives have stalled. The Strategic Plan 2025-2035, launched a year ago, shows no progress or allocated budget, and the transformative project for the Vinalopó River is also not advancing. The strained administrative machinery and excessive spending, which led to an adjustment plan, have forced investment prioritization. Furthermore, the failure to secure European funds for the Edil Strategy, valued at 20 million euros, has compelled the council to assume them directly. A cyberattack has also created uncertainty without clear accountability.
To address the financial situation, a smaller loan has been opted for, meeting Vox's demands. This has impacted areas like maternity aid, which has seen its budget reduced. Emblematic projects such as the Curtidores works, the Molí Ressemblanc, the park next to the Hospital del Vinalopó, the Puente de la Virgen elevator, or the intervention on the Correos building, seem unlikely in the short term. Administrative reality has altered plans and schedules, with only some initiatives likely to materialize before the elections.
The bipartite government has carried out smaller-scale actions like improvements in lighting, tree planting, and semi-pedestrianization, maintaining the image of a "beautiful city." The Management and Use Plan for the Palm Grove has been implemented, and modifications to the General Plan are underway. Inherited commitments like the Central Market and Les Arrels school are progressing with delays. Other own projects include the construction of the Jayton complex and the renovation of the Plaza del Congreso Eucarístico. Market openings in Plaza Barcelona and Madrid are also planned, followed by the Pont del Bimil·lenari.
Regarding housing, the 'Plan Casa Fácil', a public-private initiative, has been launched, planning for 240 homes, 48 of which will be for affordable rent. The second phase, involving land use changes on six plots, has no announced deadlines. Relations with other administrations show slow progress on the Ronda Sur, the blockage of the Elche-Santa Pola road, and the awarding of the wastewater treatment plant. The Provincial Council is making slow progress on the Palacio Congresual. A significant development is the planned new building at the General Hospital to expand operating rooms. At the state level, the connection of the AVE station to the city and the Torrellano Bypass are being processed.
In the political arena, the PP has followed Vox's lead on issues like the abortion vote. Relations between the two parties have been marked by tensions, particularly concerning Samuel Ruiz (Vox), who threatened to resign to pressure the 2026 budget. Internal competition within Vox between Ruiz and Aurora Rodil is notable. The government has continued its cultural battle, although it backtracked on the new Maredéu project.
The socialist opposition sees its spokesperson, Héctor Díez, as the mayoral candidate, although not yet officially confirmed. Díez, with management experience, aims to improve his image through social media. The PSOE hopes to capitalize on the government's shortcomings in social matters, housing, and the slowness of major projects. They are trying to promote the idea of a "spendthrift" government, with councilor Patricia Macià leading economic oversight.
Compromís, represented by councilor Esther Díez, focuses on collective rights and housing, criticizing the mayor's "announcements and propaganda." They have initiated a convergence process with Podem and Esquerra Unida to form a broad alliance, aiming to counter the right-wing vote. The goal is to combat the right and contest the City Council, leveraging discontent with PP and Vox policies and the national PSOE context.
