Facts Trump the Narrative: Neither Bread nor Circuses for Orihuela Costa

Mayor and Council Representatives of Orihuela claim to be making significant efforts to address long-standing issues on the coast, yet their actions do not align with those claims. According to financial figures, only 14% of the €1.8 million budget allocated to local festivities in Orihuela Costa is spent there, a mere €252,000. This is despite the area contributing approximately half of the municipality’s revenue, with property tax alone generating nearly €30 million.

Orihuela Costa’s share of the Christmas Lights Switch on Ceremony at the Playa Flamenca Town Hall saw low attendance, with only about 30 attendees, half of whom protested the state of local schools. The program spent six times more on the Three Kings’ Parade in Orihuela city compared to Orihuela Costa. Similarly, only 16% of the €375,000 allocated for Christmas lighting reached the coast, with the remaining four times as much spent in Orihuela city.

The imbalance extends to La Juve, a recreational and sporting program, where Orihuela Costa receives only 20% of the over €300,000 budget. These disparities are not isolated incidents but a recurring pattern, demonstrating unequal treatment of the coast. When the council repeatedly discriminates against Orihuela Costa in this manner, it is unsurprising that some residents question whether the municipality would be better served by an independent local authority.

The current administration of the PP-Vox party provides neither the basic services and infrastructure the coast needs ("bread") nor the proportionate festivities ("circuses") it deserves. The council cannot continue to claim they are doing everything possible while their spending figures paint a very different picture. The facts speak louder than the council's narrative, Mr. Mayor.