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Torrevieja Mayor forces the retirement of the local police commissioner

On Friday, Vicente Gutiérrez Sola, the Chief Commissioner of the Torrevieja Local Police, retrieved his possessions from the police station office and departed. He adhered to a ruling that was legally draughted by the Director General of Personnel, Rosana Narejos, resolved by the Councillor for Personnel, María José Ruiz, proposed by the Director General of the Police, Alejandro Morer, and signed by the Councillor Delegate for Police, Federico Alarcón. The resolution stated that he was 65 years old and that the law does not permit security force officers to serve beyond that age.

Superintendent Óscar Cartón has provisionally assumed the role of Local Police Chief. The City Council’s anticipation of an appeal from the affected party and its reluctance to make a definitive decision until it has legal certainty to do so is indicated by the fact that this is a provisional appointment, despite its intention to be permanent.

Yesterday, Gutiérrez Sola, who has a wealth of experience as a local police commander in the province, refrained from commenting on this agreement. He only observed that he was required to examine both the report prepared by the Department of Personnel and the one proposed by the Director General of Police.

Sources say that the former commissioner had sought to extend his duties for a few months beyond April 11th in 2024 in order to fulfil his 38-year and three-month contribution period and receive full pension benefits. This request was made in an internal communication.

The resolution was proposed by Morer, who was one of the two superintendents of the Local Police and second in command of the force until January 31st. He occupied a position below him on the organisational chart. As the director general, he now occupies a position that surpasses that of the former commissioner, serving as a conduit between the political and professional leadership of the Local Police. Gutiérrez, in reality, filed an appeal against Morer’s appointment as a senior official.

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Compulsory retirements in Orihuela and Alicante


This change in the Torrevieja local police command structure is in line with comparable developments in larger cities, including Alicante and Orihuela, which are also under the control of the Popular Party. Recently, both Luis Barcala and Pepe Vegara, both from Orihuela, have adopted comparable resolutions and have provided administrative notice to those affected several months in advance. However, the latter will remain in office until after the summer, when they reach retirement age.

Nevertheless, the decree in Torrevieja has only provided Gutiérrez with four days to respond before his 65th birthday, which was on Friday, April 11th.

In 2010, the former chief of the Local Police assumed responsibility for the Torrevieja Local Police, which was then under the supervision of the Popular Party mayor, Pedro Hernández Mateo, and the general director of the area, Javier Mínguez. At that time, the arrivals of Mínguez and Gutiérrez were intended to achieve two objectives: first, to normalise the intricate internal situation within the Torrevieja local police force, which had been impacted by a plethora of workplace harassment cases and legal complaints against commanders for alleged irregularities in the performance of their duties; and second, to re-establish coordination with the civil guard, which had been tarnished by these cases for years. Gutiérrez succeeded in enhancing his relationship with the Guardia Civil, but his efforts did not have a significant impact on the internal dynamics of the force.


The governing team of the Popular Party and the police councillor, who appeared on Friday to provide a detailed account of the governing board’s agreements, have not disclosed any public information regarding the resolution that will retire the current Commissioner Gutiérrez Sola. This is a common occurrence in municipal administrations that are characterised by conflict. Unofficially, this follows the recent retirements of two high-ranking officials, in which Eduardo Dolón’s government denied the extension of their terms.

A general administration technician and a secretary general of the plenary session, both of whom had served for decades at Torrevieja City Council, expressly requested a delay in their retirement age. However, civil service legislation denied their request. The legality of certain resolutions adopted by Mayor Dolón was questioned or warned about by these two officials, whose reports were substantiated by legislation.

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At present, the Torrevieja Local Police has 140 officers. In July, an additional 40 officers will be added, bringing the total number of officers to 180. This figure is in line with the anticipated number of officers in a city with a population exceeding 100,000.


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Costa Blanca

Aena closed the first quarter of 2025 with a profit of 301.3 million euros

Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández

Aena’s net profit for the first quarter of 2025 was €301.3 million, which represents an increase from €261 million in the same period of the previous year. The gross operating profit was €643.6 million, with a margin of 48.6%. In comparison to 2024 (€581.1 million), this figure indicates a 10.8% increase.

The total consolidated revenue for the first quarter of 2025 was €1,325.6 million, a 7.5% increase from the same period in the previous year. Aeronautical revenue was €683.6 million, while commercial revenue was €441.1 million.

The Brazilian Airports Block (BOAB) consolidation generates €46.8 million in revenue and €25.7 million in EBITDA. The Aena Group (Spain, London-Luton, and Aena Brazil) expanded its passenger traffic to 78.3 million, a 4.9% increase from 2024.

The number of passengers at Spanish airports increased by 4.7%, reaching 63.6 million. The timing of Easter, which occurred in March last year and April this year, as well as the fact that last year was a leap year, has an impact on the comparative figures with the same period in 2024.

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The investment, which totalled 203.1 million euros between January and March 2025, was primarily directed towards the enhancement of operational safety and airport facilities.

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In the first quarter of 2025, Aena Group’s OPEX, which encompasses procurement, personnel, and other operating expenses, increased to €691.9 million from €659.9 million in the same period of 2024. The evolution of these expenses is indicative of the group’s personnel expenses (+10.7%) and the Spanish network’s expenses for items such as electricity (+22.4%), maintenance (+9.5%), and security (+8.3%).

The year-on-year increase in other operating expenses at the Spanish airport network was €17.1 million, which is 4.7% higher than the corresponding period from January to March 2024, excluding the impact of energy. The consolidated group’s net financial debt-to-EBITDA ratio decreased to 1.37 times from €5,498 million for the full year 2024, as the Aena Group’s consolidated accounting net financial debt stood at €4,886 million.

The first quarter of 2025 saw solid cash generation. The net cash generated from operating activities increased to €820.4 million from €723.7 million in the first quarter of 2024.


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Costa Blanca

Luxury in El Campello: Balinese beds on the beaches

The beaches of El Campello are about to experience a new level of luxury. The City Council’s Department of Beaches and Tourism Infrastructure has granted concessionaires the authority to construct “Balinese beds” on the sand, which are relaxing elements that “add value to the beaches.” This includes the rental of sun loungers and umbrellas on the beaches.

In a statement, the City Council clarifies that the authorisation, which is available to all concessionaires, is always contingent upon the fact that the installation of these elements “does not entail expanding the space granted to them” to install hammocks.

According to the City Council, which is led by Rafa Galvañ, concessionaires who desire to provide these beds, which are typically constructed from wood and are resistant to coastal environmental conditions, may do so without expanding the designated area.

To date, two of these regions have adopted the proposal and have installed Balinese beds in Muchavista that are waterproof, sun-resistant, and simple to clean. These beds are equipped with white side curtains and a custom-made roof that is suitable for machine washing. They have also been treated with fire-retardant and antibacterial components.

The dimensions are 200 centimetres in width, 182 centimetres in depth, and 210 centimetres in height. This furniture is intended to set it apart from other beaches and highlight the sun lounger and umbrella service area, thereby imbuing it with elegance and personality.

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Hammock and umbrella dealers must submit a specific request to the City Council to construct these beds. This request must include technical specifications and catalogues of the materials they intend to use.

However, what is the cost? According to the same sources, the concessionaire that commissioned the infrastructure in Muchavista charges €21 per day for two hammocks and a parasol, while a Balinese bed that accommodates three individuals costs €50 per day.

Furthermore, one should consider midday rentals, which would restrict the use and enjoyment of these relaxation facilities to approximately 25-30 euros.


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Costa Blanca

El Corte Inglés in Alicante now offers sign language services

With the implementation of the SVISUAL sign language video interpretation service, El Corte Inglés in Alicante has made a significant stride towards inclusivity. This service is intended for deaf users of the language. The event presenter clarified that this initiative “reinforces its commitment to service and accessibility so that everyone can receive quality care.” This system was initially introduced in Murcia and has since been implemented in Cartagena, Valencia, and Castellón. It has been further expanded to include Alicante and Elche, thereby concluding its implementation throughout the Valencian Community.

The significance of partnerships in facilitating this advancement was underscored by Santiago Sánchez, the Communications Director of El Corte Inglés Murcia. “This project was initiated as a pilot project in Murcia nearly two years ago, and we have been gradually expanding its implementation throughout the Valencian Community, thanks to the National Confederation of the Deaf’s collaboration and the Regional Office of El Corte Inglés in Levante’s dedication.” He also announced its imminent extension to Castilla-La Mancha. He also underscored that it is “a source of pride that from now on, anyone who visits El Corte Inglés and requires the assistance of a sign language interpreter will have it.”

Carolina García, president of the Federation of the Deaf in the Valencian Community, participated in the presentation to emphasise the recognition of sign language. She stated, “Article 13.4 explicitly states that sign language is the language of deaf people, was created by deaf people, and should be the object of care, respect, and value.” García expressed gratitude to El Corte Inglés for its dedication, describing it as “a perfect example of this accessibility achieved” and expressing his hope that “other companies will follow El Corte Inglés’ example to make their various areas accessible.”

Lidia López, the Councillor for Social Welfare of the Alicante City Council, also attended the event. She emphasised the significance of companies such as El Corte Inglés taking such significant actions, which, as she stated, “eliminate all types of barriers and serve as an example to other companies in the municipality of Alicante and, consequently, in other provinces.”

Employees of El Corte Inglés have received training to comprehend individuals with hearing impairments and use the app embedded on their tablets to communicate with interpreters. The CNS Foundation for the Removal of Communication Barriers, the Federation of the Deaf of the Valencian Community, and El Corte Inglés are collaborating to implement this initiative.

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Events Calendar

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Alicante Car Show 4th - 6th April
April 4, 2025 - April 6, 2025    
10:00 - 21:00
This weekend, Alicante will host the biggest car show in the province. The 21st edition of Sobre 2 ruedas and the 53rd edition of Firauto, [...]
Exhibition of Static and Radio-Controlled Naval Modeling in Torrevieja
April 6, 2025 - April 26, 2025    
10:30 - 19:30
An exhibition of static and radio-controlled naval modelling will be in the 'Los Aljibes' exhibition hall at the Park of Nations in Torrevieja and will [...]
Lenny Kravitz in Concert in A Coruña
April 10, 2025    
21:30 - 23:00
Lenny Kravitz will be preforming live at the Coliseum, C. Francisco Pérez Carballo, 2, 15008 A Coruña on Thursday 10th April this year. Leonard Albert [...]
Torrevieja Book Fair
April 12, 2025 - April 21, 2025    
All Day
The 27th edition of the Torrevieja Book Fair, which will take place on Paseo Vista Alegre from Saturday, April 12th to Monday, April 21st. For [...]
Survivor: The Extreme Test in Alicante 12th & 13th April
April 12, 2025 - April 13, 2025    
All Day
The Survivor Race obstacle course is made for people of all skill levels, from novices to those who take their training seriously. The obstacle course, [...]
13th Classic Motor Festival in Guardamar on Saturday, April 12
April 12, 2025    
10:00 - 18:00
According to the mayor of Guardamar del Segura, José Luis Sáez, the 13th Solidarity Motor Festival will be held on Saturday, April 12th, and is [...]
Holy Week in Torrevieja 2025
April 13, 2025 - April 20, 2025    
All Day
From April 13 (Palm Sunday) to April 20, 2025, there will be Holy Week. Following the lunar schedule, Holy Week takes place during the same [...]
Denia Market
April 14, 2025    
09:00 - 13:00
Dénia's enormous local market sells apparel, ceramics, household products, nuts, and sweets to locals and tourists. A churros stall greets tourists at the entrance. Summer [...]
Santa Pola Medieval Market 2025
April 17, 2025 - April 21, 2025    
11:00 - 23:00
The Medieval Market returns to Santa Pola from April 17th to 21st, the center of Santa Pola will host the traditional Medieval Market During market [...]
Murcia Spring Flower Parade 24 April
April 24, 2025    
All Day
The colourful Flower Parade, popularly known as the "Battle of Flowers," throws fresh flowers at spectators. Murcian women in regional costumes atop floral-decorated floats. Over [...]
Gran Hotel Bali Benidorm Vertical Climb
April 26, 2025    
10:00 - 14:00
The most famous climb in Spain will take place at the highest hotel in Europe. The 19th annual Vertical Climb will take place on Saturday, [...]
Murcia Burying the Sardine Saturday 26th April 2025
April 26, 2025    
18:00
They do bury sardines. Music, colour, dancing, and processions precede the more solemn religious holidays as funfair season ends. This centuries-old ritual of burying a [...]
Villajoyosa Medieval Market Saturday 3rd May 2025
May 3, 2025    
All Day
Experience Villajoyosa's lovely coastal village and annual mediaeval market on a day trip. You have time to explore the town's attractions, seafront restaurants and cafes, [...]
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Denia Market
14 Apr 25
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Villajoyosa Medieval Market
30 Apr 25
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