OPINION | We are Calpe
"Man is the measure of all things," said Protagoras. But in politics, who measures those who do nothing but talk? Criticism is an easy exercise from the comfort of the opposition, but building and transforming requires effort, responsibility and, above all, work.
The publications of the Popular Party, as well as those of Defendamos Calpe on social networks, are clear examples of this type of empty rhetoric. The recent article by the Popular Party, written by someone who has not worked and does not work in the City Council, is intended to be an analysis of the municipal budget, but is nothing more than a succession of clichés, adorned with a tone of feigned indignation.
They criticise the alleged lack of vision of the local government, but, as Aristotle said, "the wise man does not say everything he thinks, but he always thinks everything he says." What vision does the Popular Party have for Calpe? Beyond repeating mantras about "leadership" and "strategy", they do not propose real solutions or recognise the work carried out by the municipal government.
It is easy to talk about taxes and budgets from the sidelines, but it is the government team that bears the burden of improving our educational, cultural and sports facilities, among other things. Proof of this are such important works as the start of those at the IES Les Salines and the CEE Gargasindi, long awaited and now a reality thanks to the insistence and perseverance of this serious local Government.
In the cultural sphere, the site of the Baños de la Reina, an archaeological gem that had been forgotten for too long, has been opened to the public. In addition, historic murals have been rehabilitated and two historic anniversaries have been celebrated: the centenary of the Calp Fishermen's Guild and the 25th anniversary of the Casa de Cultura.
In urban planning, the declassification of the Garduix I and II, Pla Feliu I and II and Ráfol I and II sectors has enabled more than 300.000 square metres to be protected as a green lung. This is not just talk: it is action.
While the opposition is limited to pointing out problems without solutions, this government team has launched the first rental aid for young people, in addition to including a specific allocation in the 2025 budget, which will be increased with surplus, for specific projects that address the housing problem.
We know that the solution is neither easy nor immediate, but, as Seneca would say, "There is no favorable wind for those who do not know where they are going." We do know where we are going, and every step counts.
The criticism that this government “does not listen” is self-evident. We have held talks with residents, incorporated proposals and launched projects in areas such as public safety, with the incorporation of 16 new local police officers, the creation of an aerial surveillance unit with drones and the project to incorporate video surveillance cameras, first at the entrances and main roads and then with its expansion to other areas of the municipality.
We have also modernised sports facilities, reopened the municipal swimming pool and renovated basic infrastructures that had been in a precarious state for years.
It is legitimate for the opposition to criticise, but they should do so with solid arguments and from knowledge of the municipal reality, not from a comfortable and ignorant position. Talking about "inaction" from inexperience and absence from the day-to-day running of the City Council is, at the very least, dishonest.
In fact, those who accuse our mayor of not working, do not know or pretend to ignore that her commitment to the residents of Calpe translates into serving them and solving their problems morning, afternoon and night. Meanwhile, others are neither here nor expected. Their only link with the reality of our municipality seems to be what they read on social networks, from where they build an empty argument lacking real proposals.
This serious local government does not limit itself to promises, it acts. The opposition would have a lot to contribute if it were really willing to work for Calpe. In the meantime, this government will continue to do what it does best: work with humility and determination for Calpe and its citizens.
