This week, the residents of Tabarca have voiced their desire for greater self-management, similar to what seven hamlets in the Valencian Community already enjoy. The status of a minor local entity allows for the management of most competencies, excluding areas such as security or urban planning, and facilitates the direct management of essential services.
Jesús Pobre, located in Marina Alta and over ten kilometers from Dénia, is a clear example of this autonomy. Despite the physical distance and the distinction its residents make from the regional capital, the hamlet has experienced significant progress since its declaration as a minor local entity in 1999, growing from 600 to over 1,000 inhabitants.
“"Infrastructure and cleaning are very important. Also the environment and tourism. The things that are most immediate, well, to do them directly."
The president of the Tabarca Illa Plana neighborhood association, Carmen Martí, emphasizes the importance of being able to directly manage aspects such as infrastructure, cleaning, the environment, and tourism. This direct management allows for a quicker and more effective response to the needs of the island community.
“"Thanks to our situation, we have obtained improvements in infrastructure, in competencies, in waste management, in the state of the town, etc. In these last four years, we have received an investment of 100,000 euros from Dénia, which was previously non-existent."
The mayor of Jesús Pobre, Josep Fornés, highlights the benefits of this autonomy, including infrastructure improvements and a 100,000 euro investment from Dénia in the last four years, a figure previously unattainable. Currently, Tabarca is in contact with Jesús Pobre to understand the details of its operation and replicate the model, having already gathered the necessary signatures to begin the process towards its own self-management.
