More than a year and a half after the flood, the municipality of Paiporta leaves behind the most critical phase and enters a new scenario where the priority is to consolidate economic activity and recover demand. This was conveyed by the local mayor during the visit of the Secretary of State for Commerce, who met with sector representatives to evaluate the evolution of the commercial fabric affected.
“"The picture of Paiporta is very good."
The mayor stated that almost 90% of businesses have recovered after the catastrophe. In addition to the reopening of affected businesses, between 20 and 25 new shops and hospitality establishments have emerged in the municipality. The president of Confecomerç explained that, although 20% of businesses existing before the DANA have not reopened, the opening of new businesses has compensated for this situation, maintaining the level of commercial activity at 90%.
Many of the new businesses belong to the service sector, such as hairdressers, aesthetics, or personal care activities, in line with demand evolution. Some closures are not solely due to flood damage; the DANA accelerated retirement decisions, highlighting generational change as a determining factor.
The Government of Spain has mobilized up to 16,000 million euros in aid, with 9,400 million in direct aid. In addition, allocations such as the ICO Dana line, with up to 750 million, and 180 million in specific subsidies for commerce, have been added. The Insurance Compensation Consortium has paid out 4,400 million euros, with 31% allocated to the commercial sector. In the case of Paiporta, these indemnities have reached 37 million euros in 182 operations.
“"Commerce does not want aid for nothing; it wants to live by selling."
The manager of the Paiporta Merchants Association highlighted that the opening of new businesses responds to both job opportunities and commitment to municipal reconstruction. However, she warned that the flood has exacerbated pre-existing problems, such as falling demand. Therefore, she proposed measures to incentivize consumption, such as revitalization programs and a national campaign to support local commerce, which "fixes the population and prevents social erosion".
She also focused on the unfair competition from large online sales platforms such as Amazon, Shein, or Temu, which pay taxes in other countries. She proposed studying the implementation of specific taxes for these operators, a proposal that the Secretary of State has committed to analyze, recalling that the Government is already working on market surveillance and control of low-value products from abroad.
The president of Confecomerç agreed on the need to reactivate local commercial activity, advocating for measures such as tax bonuses and the promotion of commercial vouchers, which "exert a very important stimulating effect" and help direct spending towards local commerce.
