Alcoi political parties clash over industrial and economic trends

Political parties in Alcoi, the Partit Popular (PP) and the Partit Socialista (PSOE), are engaged in a dispute regarding the city's economic model and industrial health.

The PP has issued statements alleging a 20% drop in industrial hiring during the first half of 2026 compared to the previous year. Spokesperson Carlos Pastor attributed this decline to a lack of available industrial land, noting that the number of industries in the municipality fell from 429 in 2012 to 313 in 2025. The opposition argues this shortage is driving investment and labor toward neighboring towns like Cocentaina, Muro, and Ibi.

In response, the PSOE municipal government rejected these claims, accusing the opposition of using isolated figures to create a biased narrative. The socialist administration highlighted that the total number of active companies has actually grown from 3,720 in 2012 to 3,765 currently. While acknowledging a reduction in strictly industrial and manufacturing activities, the government maintains that the local economy has transformed, with growth in sectors such as construction, information, communications, professional services, and healthcare.