PIOC Brands Orihuela’s Administrative Model “Completely Outdated”

The Party for the Independence of Orihuela Costa (PIOC) has criticised Orihuela's current administrative model, describing it as outdated and inefficient. The party argues that decisions affecting the municipality's diverse and geographically dispersed population are still concentrated among a small group in one part of the area.

Orihuela cannot be treated as a single, uniform community, says the party, as areas like La Murada, with around 3,500 residents, have very different needs compared to Orihuela city and Orihuela Costa. PIOC claims that applying the same priorities, procedures and criteria to govern these distinct areas leads to poor results. The party also highlights that only six municipal budgets have been approved in the past 15 years, and that only 40% of those budgets have been implemented.

Issues with investment priorities are also raised, including the alleged misuse of public funds on large facilities in Orihuela city, such as the bullring, former CAM building, and Rubalcava Palace. The party questions whether the use justifies the cost of these projects. PIOC also questions the number of museums maintained in Orihuela city, arguing that the scale of cultural infrastructure is more appropriate for a city of 500,000 people, and that many museums receive few visitors.

The party rejects the idea that the main goal of administrative reform should be to create the cheapest possible council, stating that an administration's function is to be effective, not cheap. The party questions Orihuela's record of managing grants from other administrations, citing cases where funds have been returned or not implemented.

The party also claims that the current administrative structure is both inefficient and expensive, with over 20 political advisers costing the municipality over €1 million annually. Public dissatisfaction with the current system is widespread, according to PIOC, as evidenced by complaints on social media about street cleaning, maintenance, infrastructure, and public services.

The party proposes a territorial reorganisation, suggesting the creation of two distinct administrative areas: one combining Orihuela city and districts wishing to remain connected, and the second combining Orihuela Costa and Torremendo under a structure tailored to their needs. PIOC also proposes that La Murada be allowed to become an independent municipality and that Torremendo should become a smaller local administrative entity.

The party believes that smaller administrative units would improve accountability, reduce bureaucracy, and allow resources to be directed more effectively, addressing the municipality's geographical size and demographic diversity.