Prieto Advocates for Gandia's Transformation and Opportunities for Residents

The mayor of Gandia reviews the legislature's progress, addresses criticisms, and outlines the city's future with a focus on progress and citizen well-being.

Generic image of a municipal building with a balcony and blue sky.
IA

Generic image of a municipal building with a balcony and blue sky.

Gandia's Mayor, José Manuel Prieto, champions the current term as a period of transformation for the city, highlighting improvements in infrastructure, public spaces, and economic indicators, and asserts he has laid the groundwork for Gandia's peak moment.

With less than a year until the next municipal elections, Gandia's Mayor, José Manuel Prieto, is convinced the city is at a decisive moment. In an interview, he highlighted achievements since 2023, such as enhanced facilities, public spaces, and economic indicators, alongside a reduction in municipal debt by 102 million euros. Prieto emphasized the completion of major infrastructure projects like the port transformation and the Gandia Arena, as well as people-focused initiatives such as mental and public health programs, which have positioned Gandia as a leading city.
Regarding housing, described as the 'priority of priorities,' the mayor acknowledges the issue's complexity, extending beyond local jurisdiction. However, he detailed the council's measures, including tax incentives, direct aid, mobilization of public land, and agreements with the Generalitat Valenciana and the State Administration to facilitate the construction and accessibility of rental and affordable housing.
Prieto also discussed the Sanxo Llop project, currently at 73% execution, which will become a socio-health cluster featuring a day center for functional diversity, a mental health residence, and a hotel. He also confirmed the unblocking of the Marina de Gandia, with works set to commence soon, including sports, leisure, and hospitality facilities, expected to create around 250 jobs.
Other ongoing projects include the CSIC's Institute of Marine Technology Research, currently in the bidding phase, and the regeneration of the Tinglados. For public transport, a new service with electric buses, improved frequencies, and updated technology is anticipated to launch in early 2027, with a single ticket price of 1.95 euros and a monthly pass under 14 euros.
Regarding municipal parking management, Prieto defended the measure as a means to invest revenues in Sanxo Llop and resolve the economic imbalance of the República Argentina car park without incurring further debt. Concerning security, he noted that despite public perception, police data is positive, and efforts are being reinforced with neighborhood policing and 38 new surveillance cameras.
The mayor expressed his commitment to completing the day center for functional diversity and acknowledged that the double railway track and improved communications remain pending challenges. His primary concern remains the people and Gandia's future, a city he believes has regained 'more city pride' and exhibits better economic indicators than in 2023. Prieto did not confirm his candidacy for 2027, stating that the best campaign is daily work for the city.