Juan Diego Requena, the Senate candidate for the People's Party (PP) in Jaén, visited Arjona to assert that "every territory, every municipality, every resident of Jaén is a priority for us." This visit highlighted Arjona's role as a key economic hub that generates wealth and employment, particularly through its renowned olive oil industry and the automotive sector.
Requena stated, "Here we have an example of the diversification of our productive fabric, showing that we are not only the world's leading producer of olive oil but also home to great entrepreneurs who carry the name of Jaén across the globe with various economic activities." He emphasised that Jaén is synonymous with olive oil, industrial work, exports, added value, and highly skilled jobs, which are essential for the region.
During his visit, Requena learned about the operations of Transmicoch, a company that exports used and refurbished car transmissions worldwide. He underscored the importance of the automotive industry as a cornerstone of Spain's productive economy, advocating for its enhancement. "We must trust in Made in Europe and Made in Spain," he remarked, stressing the need for competitiveness and reciprocity in standards, regulations, and emissions across the entire industrial chain.
Requena also outlined the People's Party's reconstruction proposals, which include 250 measures focused on integrating electric mobility with industrial realities. "The People's Party is clear that one of our main goals as a country is to create a productive Spain," he asserted.
He proposed simplifying bureaucracy for entrepreneurs, reducing salary and social contributions, and providing support for small workers and self-employed individuals. Additionally, he highlighted the necessity of an energy transition towards sustainable mobility, which is crucial for industries like that of Arjona.
Requena noted that 99% of Jaén's territory lacks 400-kilovolt networks, essential for industrial development. "We have demanded the installation of substations in Andújar, Úbeda, and Alcalá de la Real to connect the province," he stated. Establishing connections from north to south and east to west would create opportunities for municipalities with available land to generate renewable energy.
He concluded by lamenting that "we have lost years without building a single kilometre of new electrical networks or highways, which has hindered Jaén's growth." The upcoming elections on 29 November are seen as crucial for reversing the situation and rebuilding Jaén and Spain.
