Infrastructure and healthcare deficiencies are two of the main issues addressed by the Economic and Social Council (CES) of the province of Jaén in its recommendations regarding the province's socioeconomic and labor situation for 2025. The plenary session of the advisory body of the Diputación approved these considerations, many focused on boosting employment and the productive sector, for consideration by the administrations.
The CES's report, divided into 20 chapters, analyzes various sectors including agriculture, business, construction, housing, healthcare, industry, and consumption. The council's president, Manuel Parras, stated that some considerations are recurring, others are refined, and some are removed due to progress made. This edition places particular emphasis on water management and the water transition, in addition to housing.
In the health sector, concerns about waiting times for appointments and hospitalizations, as well as childhood obesity and mental health, are reiterated, with a call for more professionals. The need to take measures to ensure the safe practice of voluntary termination of pregnancy has been incorporated, noting that Jaén is the only Andalusian province where this is not possible.
The report also supports the promotion of agrivoltaics, a technique that allows olive trees to be maintained while generating solar energy, increasing production and being compatible with traditional olive farming. Regarding infrastructure, Jaén still faces significant deficiencies. Parras mentioned the update of a 2017 report on railway improvements to assess progress. Improvements are expected in energy infrastructure, such as a 400 kilovolt line from Baza, Úbeda, and Manzanares, and a proposal has been made for a line to develop the Sierra Sur and the Andújar area up to Marmolejo.
Concerning depopulation, the province of Jaén lost 1,200 inhabitants in 2025 compared to 2024, although 26 municipalities, including the capital and Linares, saw population increases. The aging population is also addressed, reflected in high rates of healthcare prescriptions. Parras also noted that public administration payment delays are being corrected, but emphasized the importance of respecting the Payment Delays Law for large companies subcontracting smaller provincial firms. Finally, the inefficient use of insolvency proceedings was mentioned.
