The local political group Sueña Torrevieja has submitted a formal motion to Torrevieja Council, calling for the implementation of concrete actions and financial support to improve the daily lives of coeliac individuals and their families.
Following the annual Coeliac Disease Awareness Day, which was observed on 16 May, the municipalist party emphasizes that this date must serve as a catalyst for permanent, useful, and visible local action rather than just a temporary reminder on the calendar.
Pablo Samper, the spokesperson for Sueña Torrevieja, explained that coeliac disease is not merely a dietary issue, but a condition that significantly impacts the social, family, school, and economic aspects of life. He stated that Torrevieja needs to progress towards becoming a safer, more sensitive, and more inclusive city where coeliac individuals can fully participate in municipal activities, attend public events, and enjoy local hospitality without feeling excluded.
A major element of the proposal involves addressing the high cost of gluten-free products, which can double the price of a standard shopping basket. Samper noted that creating a municipal line of financial aid would alleviate this financial burden, particularly for lower-income households and families with multiple affected members.
Additionally, Sueña Torrevieja is urging the local government to launch awareness campaigns, introduce training programs for the safe handling of gluten-free food within municipal spaces, and collaborate with specialized associations. The party also suggests creating a local guide of safe gluten-free establishments and ensuring that alternative food options are provided at all events organized or supported by Torrevieja Council.
According to Samper, addressing coeliac disease is a matter of equal opportunities, food safety, and institutional empathy. He concluded that as an open, diverse, and tourist-oriented municipality, Torrevieja must ensure that everyone, including those with coeliac disease, can live in and enjoy the town normally and with full institutional backing.
