Municipal politics in Alicante facing the social reality of the elderly

The closure of a day center highlights the gap between political priorities and citizens' needs.

Facade of the Alicante City Hall on a sunny afternoon.
IA

Facade of the Alicante City Hall on a sunny afternoon.

The Alicante City Council plenary session has been marked by the debate on public service management and the situation of the elderly following the closure of a day center.

During the last plenary session, held on May 28th, the municipal corporation debated various measures affecting citizens' daily lives. Among the points discussed, the extension of the terrace season for the hospitality industry was approved, a decision that contrasted with the rejection of motions related to the regularization of foreign people working in essential sectors of the city.
The session also addressed issues regarding public housing management, a topic that has generated tension between the municipal government and the opposition. However, the most emotional moment came at the end, when a user affected by the closure of the day center in Plaza de América intervened to explain her personal situation.

"My life was fading away, alone at home and without going out. I ask that they open this center again to prevent so many other elderly people from wasting away."

a day center user
The closure of these facilities, which occurred seven months ago, has left many elderly people without a space for reference and social interaction. This intervention has served to highlight the urgent needs of the most vulnerable population, in contrast to the ideological debates that often dominate the local political agenda in Alicante.