Orihuela, May 2025 – The Ciudadanos municipal group in Orihuela has introduced a motion to be debated in the upcoming plenary session, calling for genuine administrative decentralization through the empowerment of the city’s District Councils. The proposal, led by spokesperson José Aix, seeks to grant these councils real management authority to better respond to local needs and restore citizen trust.
Aix Blames PP and Vox for “Historic Disaffection”
Aix accused the governing coalition of the Partido Popular (PP) and Vox of causing “the greatest citizen disaffection in Orihuela’s democratic history,” particularly pointing to growing frustration on the Orihuela coast. He cited rising pro-segregation sentiment and government inaction as key drivers of discontent.
The dissatisfaction also affects inland districts like La Murada, where even government-appointed councillors have supported community protests over “municipal neglect.” Aix criticized the current administration for bloated staffing, including an unprecedented number of advisors and coordinators with “no real responsibilities.”
Proposal for Decentralized Decision-Making
Ciudadanos is calling for a technical study to explore how to transfer real powers to the District Councils, which Aix argues have been reduced to ritualistic roles. “These bodies are legally recognized as decentralized administrative units, but in Orihuela, they’re merely used to contain public complaints every few months,” he said.
The motion emphasizes the need for district-level decision-making in matters directly impacting local communities and calls for meaningful citizen involvement in public management.
A Call for Organizational Reform
Aix also criticized the governing team, led by Mayor Pepe Vegara and Deputy Mayor Manuel Mestre, for abandoning the area-based organizational model approved in the previous term. He argued that this model would have enabled greater operational efficiency and local representation.
Decentralization as a Path to Better Services
Ciudadanos insists that empowering District Councils would improve public service delivery, bring administration closer to residents, and strengthen democratic participation—goals they say the current government has failed to pursue.
“Centralized governance isn’t working,” Aix concluded. “We must stop ignoring the coast and the rural districts. It’s time to return management and voice to the people of Orihuela.”
