Representatives of several left-wing political parties in the Vega Baja region gathered this week in Daya Vieja to discuss the future of progressive politics in southern Alicante, emphasising the need for unity and cooperation to counter the growing influence of the right and far right.
The event, titled “A Drop of Pure Courage” (Una gota de pura valentía), brought together members of Compromís, Esquerra Unida del País Valencià (EUPV), Cambiemos Orihuela, and Los Verdes de Torrevieja for an open meeting aimed at building alliances and developing a shared roadmap for future governance.
A Call for Unity and Hopeful Politics
Compromís deputy spokesperson in Les Corts, Aitana Mas, opened the discussion by calling for collaboration and optimism:
“We must govern with people in mind, focus on what unites us, and build a hopeful future,” she said.
Her colleague, Águeda Micó, Compromís deputy in the Spanish Congress, warned of the dangers of political polarisation and hate rhetoric, urging the left to respond with constructive and empathetic solutions.
“It’s vital that the left rises to the occasion and provides what ordinary people really need — practical, hopeful answers, far removed from confrontation and fear,” she said.
The meeting was attended by around one hundred participants at the local youth centre of Daya Vieja — the smallest municipality in Vega Baja and one governed by Compromís with an absolute majority.
Among those present were representatives of EUPV Almoradí, Cambiemos Orihuela, Los Verdes de Torrevieja, and Compromís groups from Baix Vinalopó and Alacantí.
Shared Goals and Common Challenges
Alongside Mas and Micó, other key speakers included Nahuel González, EUPV deputy in the Spanish Congress, and Rosa Pérez, the party’s regional coordinator. The event was moderated by Sara Llobell, a Compromís councillor in Alicante, with contributions from Rafa Mas, Alicante’s Compromís spokesperson, and Esther Díez, councillor from Elche.
In a round-table discussion, participants outlined the challenges facing Vega Baja, the wider Valencian Community, and Spain as a whole. They denounced the influence of Vox-backed conservative governments, accusing them of undermining equality, environmental policy, and women’s rights.
They also highlighted the growing threat of xenophobia and anti-feminism, describing them as “simplistic answers from the right and far right to complex social problems.”
For the parties represented, the political agenda should prioritise:
- Affordable housing
- Public healthcare
- A sustainable and productive economy offering secure and dignified employment
These, they said, must be central to policy-making from local councils up to regional and national administrations.
Vega Baja in Focus
A second discussion panel, focused on local governance, featured José Vicente Fernández (Compromís mayor of Daya Vieja), José Manuel Dolón (former Los Verdes mayor of Torrevieja), Carlos Bernabé (Cambiemos Orihuela), and José Manuel Sanz (EUPV Almoradí).
Speakers contrasted the 2019 DANA flood response led by the former Botànic coalition government with last year’s storm management in Valencia, praising the earlier handling as more efficient and people-centred.
The debate also touched on the region’s dependence on tourism-driven urban development, water resource management, and the urgent need for fair funding for the Vega Baja and the wider province of Alicante.
Participants called for stronger investment in public services, especially healthcare, education, social welfare, and dependency support, arguing that these are the foundation of a fair and cohesive society.
“The future must be built on cooperation, equality, and the defence of public services,” concluded one speaker. “It’s time to stop reacting to the right — and start leading with courage and conviction.”
