Valencian Government's EDIL Funding Snub for Alicante, Elche, and Orihuela Sparks Outcry
The decision by the Valencian government to exclude Alicante, Elche, and Orihuela from the EDIL program funding has sparked controversy. Both PP and PSOE-led local governments have demanded transparency from the Generalitat, calling for detailed evaluation data and clearer justifications for the assigned scores.
The EDIL program, designed to foster integrated urban projects and stimulate economic growth, has approved nine municipalities, including Alcoy, Elda, Villena, and Dénia, for multi-million-euro grants. However, the three largest cities in the province of Alicante have been left without funding, prompting appeals and accusations of arbitrariness and discrimination.
The cities' applications failed to meet the minimum evaluation score, placing them on a reserve list. Elche, Alicante, and Orihuela have since announced their intention to challenge the decision, deeming it unjust. The final resolution will only be announced once the appeals process is complete.
The exclusion of Alicante, Elche, and Orihuela from the EDIL program funding has triggered political backlash. While nine other municipalities have been approved, the three largest cities in the province have been left without funding. The responsible person in the Valencian government's administration for the EDIL program is yet to be identified, pending more context or details.
