Generalitat calls €1,000m for Alicante airport “crumbs”; PP provincial demands N-332 widening in Torrevieja and AP‑7 toll removal in Vega Baja
- The Generalitat Valenciana has described the central government’s €1,000 million allocation for Alicante-Elche airport as “migajas” (crumbs).
- The provincial branch of the Partido Popular (PP) in alicante is demanding immediate delivery on infrastructure commitments: the desdoble (dual carriageway conversion) of the N-332 in Torrevieja and removal of tolls on the AP‑7 in the Vega Baja.
- local officials say the improvements are urgent for safety, connectivity and tourism recovery in Alicante province and the Vega Baja area.
- Political tensions between regional and central government are escalating ahead of planned works and budget negotiations.
Torrevieja, 18 September 2025 – Regional political tensions rose this week after the Generalitat Valenciana publicly dismissed the national government’s announcement of a €1,000 million investment for Alicante-Elche airport as insufficient. Simultaneously occurring, the provincial Partido Popular (PP) pressed Madrid to fulfil commitments to upgrade the N-332 road through Torrevieja and to remove tolls from the AP‑7 motorway in the Vega Baja district.
What the Generalitat said: €1,000m seen as “migajas”
The Generalitat Valenciana criticized the central government’s commitment of €1 billion for Alicante’s airport, calling the amount symbolic and inadequate to meet the infrastructure and capacity needs the region demands. Officials argued the funds fall short of comprehensive investment required to modernize terminals,expand runways and improve multimodal connections that would sustain tourism and year-round economic activity.
Key points from the regional reaction
- The Generalitat describes the announced sum as a short-term, piecemeal gesture rather than a strategic investment plan.
- Regional leaders insist on a broader plan that includes road,rail and public transport links to the airport.
- Calls for transparency on how the €1,000m will be spent and on the project calendar.
PP provincial demands: desdoble of N-332 and AP‑7 toll removal
The PP in alicante has amplified local demands, focusing on two priority infrastructure items:
- Desdoble (widening) of the N-332 in Torrevieja: The PP says converting the single-carriageway stretches into dual carriageway is essential to reduce accidents, ease congestion, and support tourism and commerce in the southern Costa Blanca.
- Removal of AP‑7 tolls in Vega Baja: The PP argues that lifting tolls would restore free, faster connectivity along the Mediterranean corridor and benefit commuters, logistics and emergency services in the Vega Baja region.
PP’s stated reasons
- Safety: N-332 has sections with a poor accident record.
- Economic recovery: Better roads and free motorways boost local businesses and tourism.
- Equity: Residents and companies in Vega baja should not bear extra costs for basic connectivity.
Local impact: Torrevieja and the Vega Baja
Residents and local officials in Torrevieja and the Vega Baja have long campaigned for these improvements. Proponents say the N-332 desdoble will:
- Reduce travel time to Alicante-Elche airport and surrounding towns.
- Lower congestion during peak tourist seasons.
- Improve freight access for agricultural and commercial sectors in Vega Baja.
Similarly, removing AP‑7 tolls would be expected to:
- Reduce costs for daily commuters and transport companies.
- Increase road traffic on the toll-free network,with potential short-term congestion trade-offs.
- Boost the attractiveness of the area for visitors and investment.
Background: Why these demands matter
The Alicante-Elche airport is a major gateway for the valencian Community and southeastern Spain, especially during the summer season. Investment in the airport alone is tightly linked to connectivity by road and rail. The N-332 is a coastal road that in many sections remains single carriageway; upgrading it to a dual carriageway (desdoble) is a long-standing regional priority.
Meanwhile, the AP‑7 motorway has had sections tolled since privatized concessions were in place.Tolls have been politically sensitive nationwide; calls to remove them have grown louder when regions feel toll revenue does not translate into visible local upgrades.
What happens next?
- Expect formal requests and motions from the provincial PP to the central government asking for concrete delivery timelines.
- The Generalitat may press for a binding investment plan that combines airport funding with road and rail commitments.
- Local councils could mobilize public support-petitions,demonstrations or demands in plenary sessions-to keep pressure up.
Timeline to watch
- Short term (weeks): Requests for breakdown of the €1,000m and immediate clarification of project phases.
- Medium term (months): Negotiations between regional and central authorities; possible project tenders or environmental assessments for road widening.
- Long term (1-3 years): Construction windows for desdoble and larger airport upgrades,if funding and permits align.
Speedy facts table
| Item | Demand / Status |
|---|---|
| Alicante-Elche airport funding | €1,000m announced – criticised by Generalitat as insufficient |
| N-332 (Torrevieja) | PP demands desdoble – safety & connectivity priority |
| AP‑7 (Vega Baja) | PP asks for toll removal - economic relief for users |
Takeaway
The debate over the €1,000 million announced for Alicante-Elche airport has become a focal point for broader infrastructure grievances in the province. While the central government’s funding pledge signals attention to the airport, regional and local leaders demand a more ambitious, joined-up approach – one that pairs airport investment with road upgrades like the N-332 desdoble and the removal of AP‑7 tolls to ensure tangible benefits for Torrevieja, the Vega Baja and the wider Alicante economy.
Sources and credits
- Torrevieja IP – “GV califica los 1000 millones para el aeropuerto de Alicante como migajas y el PP provincial pide al Gobierno que cumpla con el desdoble N-332 en Torrevieja y retire peaje de la AP-7 en la Vega Baja” – https://www.torreviejaip.tv/…/gv-califica-los-1000-millones-…