An unexpected turn in local politics
The recent decision by PSC councillors in Ripoll, Enric Pérez and Anna Belén Avilés, has sparked a wave of criticism and reflection within the party. Both councillors have publicly acknowledged their "mistake" in abstaining from the vote on the municipal budgets, which allowed Sílvia Orriols, mayor and leader of Aliança Catalana, to approve her first budgets. This incident has led the councillors to offer their positions to the party, generating an internal debate about the political direction of the PSC.
Last Thursday night, during the municipal plenary, Orriols' casting vote broke a tie that could have had significant consequences for her administration. The PSC's abstention was seen as a maneuver to avoid a new "political circus," referring to the tensions that arose the previous year when a motion of no confidence was raised against the mayor. However, this strategy has been criticized for contradicting the fundamental principles of the socialist party.
“The fundamental principle of avoiding any collaboration with the far right is paramount,” the councillors admitted after meeting with the PSC leadership. This reflection has led to a swift response from the socialist federation of Girona, which issued a statement expressing its absolute disagreement with the municipal action.
Despite Pérez and Avilés' acknowledgment of the mistake, sources close to the PSC have downplayed the immediate repercussions. However, they lament what they consider a lack of foresight from their colleagues. The PSC leadership will meet next Monday to discuss possible actions to take following this incident.
“They have ended up doing a favour to Junts,” pointed out those at the socialist top, referring to the indirect impact this decision could have on the local political landscape.
Despite the internal controversies, Sílvia Orriols managed to approve a budget amounting to nearly 15 million euros. This budget has been described as continuity-focused and aimed at areas such as security and popular culture. However, both Junts and ERC have criticized these accounts for being unambitious and disconnected from the real needs of Ripoll.
“It was not our budget; it was not very visionary and somewhat small,” commented Joaquim Colomer, councillor of Som-hi Ripoll. Despite this, he highlighted that there was a willingness to reach agreements that allowed for the inclusion of some valuable proposals.
As the PSC executive meeting approaches, all eyes are on how they will handle this internal crisis. The councillors have expressed their desire to continue working within the socialist political framework but also acknowledge that they need to align more closely with the party's core values.
“The political project of the PSC is at odds with the values defended by Sílvia Orriols,” both councillors concluded as they reflected on their future within the party and their role in the council.
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