Orihuela Costa independence party challenges exclusion of district board proposal

The Party for the Independence of Orihuela Costa (PIOC) has contested a decision to exclude its alternative plan for the coast from the agenda of an extraordinary district board meeting. The proposal aims to enhance local services and proposes the separation from Orihuela municipality as a long-term solution. An appeal has been filed with the Orihuela City Council to allow the document submitted on September 13 to be debated by district boards X and XI.

The extraordinary meeting focused on assessing the coast's basic needs using the 2024 annual report. Board officials determined that the PIOC's proposal could not be discussed during that session. The party maintains that the board secretariat had invited members on August 22 to submit alternative documents and specific proposals on the subject, and its submission addressed the agenda item.

Allegations of procedural rule violations and a breach of reasonable expectations were raised in the appeal. The dispute occurred during a tense meeting at the Playa Flamenca Town Hall, with residents mobilized by PIOC gathering outside and about 50 entering the session. PIOC president Román Jiménez introduced the alternative plan, advocating for the coastal area's separation from the municipality and criticizing the current administration.

He stated that the document was submitted in the correct format and within the required timeframe, accusing the board of approving an outdated plan instead of debating more detailed proposals. Board President Manuel Mestre intervened, warning Jiménez about potential removal from the meeting. Residents and Jiménez left the session, and the board proceeded with the needs assessment.

The City Council disputes PIOC's account of the procedure, stating that the document missed the deadline for inclusion in the extraordinary meeting and will be reviewed at the next board session. They emphasize that residents can freely express opinions and submit proposals, but submissions must adhere to board rules and deadlines.

The council asserts that a speaking turn cannot introduce a debate not formally scheduled. PIOC's document outlines proposed improvements through 2035, focusing on water supply, sewerage and drainage, additional schools, healthcare facilities, policing, emergency provisions, waste collection, transport links, public spaces, coastal and environmental improvements, and cultural and civic facilities.

Each measure is tied to a responsible authority, budget, funding source, and timetable. The party argues that separation is the structural solution to the coast's issues, while improvements to services cannot be delayed. The debate on the full proposal now depends on its inclusion in the agenda for the next district board meeting.