At long last, a prominent voice from the business sector has publicly confirmed what residents of Orihuela Costa have been saying for years. The Orihuela Chamber of Commerce has stated the truth bluntly: “Orihuela’s largest source of income and economic activity—Orihuela Costa—is increasingly disconnected from the city, neglected, and faces the real risk of severing the ties that bind us. If we lose Orihuela Costa, the financial and operational viability of the Orihuela City Council will collapse—it cannot sustain itself on its own.”
These words echo the warnings made by current Mayor Pepe Vegara during his campaign, when he openly acknowledged that “the biggest problem in Orihuela is management—especially in Orihuela Costa.” Unfortunately, since taking office, his actions have only proven how right he was—through his own mismanagement and lack of meaningful progress, Orihuela Costa continues to be overlooked.
For decades, Orihuela’s leadership has clung to a dated mindset—treating Orihuela Costa as little more than a patchwork of disconnected urbanizations and viewing our coastline primarily as a financial asset. Over 55% of the city’s total revenue is generated by Orihuela Costa, and that figure continues to grow thanks to high property demand, our enviable lifestyle, five world-class golf courses, and a unique microclimate that attracts year-round residents and visitors.
In contrast, the historic city of Orihuela, despite its rich heritage and cultural institutions—museums, libraries, historic buildings—struggles to attract visitors and lacks the economic dynamism to sustain itself. Maintenance of its infrastructure is costly and heavily reliant on external funding, including EU support. Without the taxes from Orihuela Costa, the city would face serious financial instability.
Indeed, as of mid-2025, the estimated cost to restore and preserve Orihuela’s historic buildings and churches is projected to be at least €41.4 million over the next five years. This figure encompasses 29 significant heritage projects, including the restoration of churches, palaces, and other cultural landmarks.
The truth is clear: Orihuela Costa is now the social, economic, and demographic centre of gravity in the municipality. Yet it remains politically marginalized, largely because voter turnout on the coast remains low. When economic and social power is held in one place, but political control rests elsewhere, misalignment and mistreatment are inevitable.
This disconnect is more than just bureaucratic neglect—it’s a structural failure. Orihuela’s leaders continue to ignore the very real, everyday issues facing the residents of Orihuela Costa. Whether out of arrogance, denial, or outdated thinking, they are failing to provide the services, infrastructure, and representation this growing and vibrant community deserves.
And let’s be clear: it’s not just about forming a political party focused on the coast. It’s about leadership—someone who can bring unity, credibility, and focus. Not a polarizing figure, not a populist throwing insults or playing games with the truth, but a leader who commands attention, earns respect, and speaks for all of Orihuela Costa with clarity and integrity.
The time has come to move beyond division, misinformation, and passive frustration. Orihuela Costa stands at a crossroads. With vision, unity, and active civic engagement—starting with the ballot box—this community can finally take control of its own future.
The time to act is now.
