Compromís Saves the Public Space Occupation Ordinance of the PP

The City Council meeting started with the highlight of the day: the debate and initial approval vote of the new Public Space Occupation Ordinance. This regulation, which has been negotiated behind closed doors for months, opens up discussions on the operating hours of outdoor seating areas and the installation of terraces in parking spaces.

The ordinance was passed with an unusual alliance; this time, the PP managed to add Compromís to their votes after breaking off negotiations with Vox—previously their main partner—due to the inclusion of "violet points" in the regulation.

Cristina Cutanda, the councilor for Public Space Occupation, who defended the proposal, praised the benefits of this ordinance that complements the Festivities Ordinance and streamlines the process for terrace installations. It includes penalties and measures to be applied in Acoustic Zones (ZAS). "Explain to the hospitality sector why they lost 30 minutes over four Violet Points," Cutanda stated. "As you said, we are not the only opposition party; we can negotiate almost everything with almost everyone."

Undoubtedly, the star of this point was Compromís spokesperson Rafa Mas, who justified his vote by saying, "We will not allow Vox's policies to affect this city's governance." Mas claimed that their negotiation ensured attention to victims of gender violence: "These are not hasty decisions; these are rights," he asserted.

The Valencian party insisted that their agreement guarantees a reduction in terrace operating hours by half an hour across the city and implements stricter measures in ZAS areas—the old town and traditional center.

From there, criticisms poured in against a text that, for instance, socialists deemed lacking ambition. Councilor Miguel Castelló argued that efforts should have been made to ensure consensus between residents and hospitality businesses. "This has been an unnatural alliance; I don't know how to explain it, over one and a half accepted amendments," he criticized Compromís's spokesperson. Regarding the rejection of 20 amendments presented by PSOE to this ordinance, Castelló considered that their proposals were dismissed for political reasons. "As the Olympics start tomorrow, with this unnatural pact you tried to inaugurate the medal tally and hang yourself a medal," concluded Castelló.

The regulation was also criticized by Vox, who had previously supported the PP. Councilor Juan Utrera questioned, "We don't know why you adopt the extreme left's discourse." "The violet points serve no purpose other than allowing some to profit," he remarked. He also criticized Compromís's agreement: "Don't come as a savior; they were already included in the PP ordinance. You work less than Ilia Topuria's security guard," he concluded.

Esquerra Unida-Podem councilor Manolo Copé also showed his disapproval, criticizing Compromís's "rush." "Until yesterday, Mr. Barcala was an avid festival-goer, but today he's a good companion in ordinances. They presented three amendments: one accepted, one rejected, and one partially accepted," Copé insisted. The progressive party considered this ordinance a "collective failure" that contributes to privatizing streets and transforming parking spaces into seating areas.

Representatives from Alicante's hospitality associations also participated in the meeting. Alroa spokesperson Javiel Galdeano explained that "harmful decisions for the sector are being made without any explanation. This regulation is not beneficial for commerce, tourism, or hospitality." ARA representative Gabriela Córdoba emphasized that "limiting spaces for hospitality will negatively impact job creation in the city."

Ultimately, the proposal was approved with votes from PP and Compromís (16), PSOE abstentions (8), and votes against from Vox and Esquerra Unida-Podem. An almost unprecedented agreement in the city council.