Manuel Mestre, the Deputy Mayor and Councillor for the Coast in Orihuela, has encountered significant challenges in his efforts to improve infrastructure and services in Orihuela Costa.
Despite his commitment to addressing long-standing issues, he regularly faces bureaucratic inertia and political opposition that hinders any progress.
Since assuming his role in mid-2023, Mestre has identified many critical areas needing attention, including street cleaning, garden maintenance, and road repairs. However, administrative delays have impeded the implementation of solutions, leading to resident dissatisfaction.
Mestre has expressed frustration over these delays but remains increasingly optimistic about future improvements.
A significant obstacle is Mestre’s limited authority over essential services. Although he holds the title of Councillor for the Coast, many responsibilities, such as street cleaning and waste management, fall under other departments.
This division of authority complicates coordination and hampers the execution of necessary projects. Mestre has therefore advocated for greater autonomy and resources to effectively manage the coast’s unique needs.
Political dynamics further complicate Mestre’s efforts. The opposition parties have criticised the current administration’s handling of coastal issues, citing inadequate services and delayed projects.
They have called for Mestre’s resignation, arguing that his role lacks the necessary authority to effect meaningful change.
Residents, too, have voiced their concerns. The association Unidos por la Costa has highlighted the persistent neglect of the coastal area, emphasising the need for more substantial investment and better governance. They argue that despite generating significant revenue for the municipality, Orihuela Costa does not receive commensurate attention or resources.
In response to these challenges, Mestre has proposed a comprehensive plan requiring €50 million to address the coast’s shortcomings. This plan includes infrastructure upgrades, improved public services, and enhanced maintenance of public spaces.
However, securing such funding remains uncertain, although in 2025 Orihuela Costa received approximately €17 million in investments, which represents almost a third of the municipality’s total investments. Of that €17 million however, Mestre only manages €1.5.
Despite his commitment, Mestre receives minimal backing from the Orihuela government, hindering progress in the coastal region, as he strives to overcome bureaucratic and political barriers.
A CALL FOR CONSTRUCTIVE SUPPORT IN ORIHUELA COSTA
Perhaps instead of continually criticising the Councillor for the limited progress he has made on coastal issues, it’s time for the associations and residents of Orihuela Costa to reflect on how they can be part of the solution.
Mestre has faced significant institutional resistance and a lack of support from within the Orihuela government—factors that have undoubtedly restricted his ability to deliver results.
We should be backing his efforts more actively, voicing our concerns constructively, and rallying behind proposals that benefit the coast.
Greater community support could strengthen his position and give him the political weight needed to fight more effectively for the resources and reforms Orihuela Costa deserves.
This isn’t about agreeing with every policy—it’s about recognising that unity and civic engagement may be the most powerful tools we have to effect change.
