Cort definitively approves the 2026 budget with the votes of the PP and Vox

PalmThe Palma City Council definitively approved the municipal budget for 2026 this Monday in an extraordinary plenary session, with votes in favor from the PP and Vox parties and opposition from the other groups. The Councilor for Finance, Public Service, and Internal Affairs, Mercedes Celeste, defended the budget, stating that it "consolidates a political project initiated in 2024 for the transformation of the city" and fulfills both electoral commitments and the programmatic agreement signed with Vox at the beginning of the term. Celeste described the budget as "realistic, balanced, and responsible" and assured that it "guarantees the economic stability of the City Council," while continuing "the path of reducing the tax burden on families, the self-employed, and businesses." She highlighted that the budget includes the highest allocation ever earmarked for human resources, at 215 million euros.

Among the main new developments, the councilwoman announced that a job evaluation of all City Hall positions will be carried out during 2026. This process has already been contracted and, according to the governing team, should address the demands of municipal staff to improve their working conditions.

In the social sphere, Celeste assured that the budget "strengthens the protection of the most vulnerable." Specifically, the budget allocated to comprehensive care for women victims of gender-based violence increases by more than 30%, while the shelter program increases by more than 60%. The governing team maintains that the rest of the social services, which continue to be "a priority," will be maintained. Regarding senior citizens, the councilwoman emphasized that the city council "remains committed to promoting an active and healthy lifestyle," while in the economic sphere she highlighted support for the self-employed, local businesses, and municipal markets with the aim of fostering local economic activity and job creation. On the subject of housing, Celeste stressed that for the first time, Palma has budgeted 4.5 million euros for the promotion of social housing, an allocation that, she said, aims to address the housing emergency the city is experiencing. The budget also stipulates that public transportation will remain free for the third consecutive year, as well as the reinstatement of lines discontinued in 2019, such as the L20, and the gradual renewal of the fleet to make it fully electric. In terms of security, the budget includes the addition of 50 local police officers and 12 firefighters, as well as investments to improve the Magdalena Rigo fire station, which was recently municipalized. Finally, the councilwoman highlighted the boost to the Palma a Punt program, focused on the cleaning and maintenance of public spaces, and the commitment to culture with the goal of Palma becoming the European Capital of Culture in 2031. In the sports sector, the budget will allow for the implementation of projects such as an athletics track and changing rooms at various sports fields throughout the city. "This is a budget that keeps its promises and provides continuity to a city project with a view to the future," Celeste concluded.