Despite what is often said, Orihuela Costa is the true epicentre of the Orihuela Municipality. As the economic engine of the region, the coast drives prosperity, yet the city frequently tarnishes our reputation. Orihuela has seen its mayors systematically charged or prosecuted, a situation that has sadly become the norm.
In April 2022, crucial votes by PSOE, Cambiemos, and C’s ousted Mayor Emilio Bascuñana and the PP from power, installing a new mayor and coalition council. Hopes were high that this change would restore Orihuela Costa’s reputation as one of Spain’s crown jewels, but those hopes were short-lived. The new government, like its predecessors, only paid lip service to the coast, promising much but delivering little.
Ironically, at a recent Valencia Day fiesta, Mayor Sr Vegara called for political unity, claiming that Orihuela would no longer be treated as a second-class municipality under the Partido Popular. Yet, he seems to have forgotten how his party has neglected Orihuela Costa for many years.
The local government has been likened to a dog chasing cars—once it catches one, it doesn’t know what to do. Both PP and Vox fought to get into power but now they seem clueless about how to govern effectively.
IF YOU DO NOT VOTE, THEN DO NOT COMPLAIN.
To end this cycle of neglect and repair the coast’s image, everyone eligible to vote must do so. Abstaining from voting forfeits your chance to influence leadership and policies that affect your life. This can result in elected officials and policies that don’t reflect your interests or values, as has been the case for many years in Orihuela Costa.
Our councillors may have education and university degrees, but that doesn’t guarantee their suitability or competence for their positions and high salaries. In Orihuela, many positions are allegedly filled through nepotism and favours, leading to unfair decisions and diminished workplace harmony and efficiency.
Despite Orihuela being a historical city, 90% of tourism comes to the coast. However, with high council staffing costs and many classical buildings in disrepair, the city is dying and entirely dependent on revenue generated by Orihuela Costa. We are the economic lifeblood of the municipality—cut us off, and we will both die!
