The FMRM closes this legislative term commemorating 40 years of local democracy and municipalism
The Federation of Municipalities of the Region of Murcia held its Ordinary General Assembly meeting in Mula, at the Convent of San Francisco, to continue its policy of opening the FMRM to the municipalities and bringing the institution closer to the town halls, involving the mayors of the entire Region. The meeting was chaired by the Regional Minister of the Presidency, Pedro Rivera; the President of the Federation of Municipalities, Joaquín Hernández; the Mayor of Mula and member of the FMRM Executive Committee, Juan Jesús Moreno, who hosted the rest of the Assembly in his municipality; the Mayor of Lorca and Vice-Secretary of the Executive Committee, Fulgencio Gil; and the Secretary General of the Federation of Municipalities of the Region of Murcia, Manuel Pato. In addition, the Secretary General of the Spanish Federation of Municipalities and Provinces, Carlos Daniel Casares, was exceptionally present and was able to share the experiences, motivations and concerns of the FEMP with all the mayors of the Region.
During the meeting, topics of interest that have been addressed by the Federation in recent months were discussed. These topics focus primarily on the demand for a Local Financing Law to allow municipalities to participate in taxes levied by the Region of Murcia (CARM), among other needs and proposals to the Regional Government. Also discussed were the approval of the 2019 budget, totaling 756.190 euros, which represents the financial recovery of the Federation with a significant reduction in debt; agreements and relationships with other organizations and institutions; and the FMRM training program.
Furthermore, to commemorate the 40th anniversary of local government, the FMRM (Federation of Municipalities of the Region of Murcia) has presented a series of proposals and activities that it plans to carry out in the last six months of the year to celebrate this important milestone for all municipalities. A logo has already been designed and sent to all local councils so that they can use it and incorporate it into their corporate branding throughout the year.
Within this year's new budget, the FMRM's participation, for the first time, in European programs stands out, both as a partner with other countries and as a project leader. Currently, the Federation is part of the 'YouthCapacity' project, in partnership with Italy, to design new youth policy initiatives and provide training for politicians and technical staff. Furthermore, it will lead a LIFE project focused on climate adaptation through the participation of three municipalities: Molina, Alcantarilla, and Lorquí.
This year, the Federation's work has also focused on advocating for municipal policies that benefit the region's town councils through the signing of several agreements and accords with other institutions, such as those signed with the College of Social Educators and the Association of Young Entrepreneurs of the Region of Murcia. Furthermore, the Federation has shared the collaboration agreement signed with the Segura River Basin Authority for the sealing of wells.
The Assembly has also ratified the Human Resources Management Plan for the Consolidation and Stabilization of Temporary Employment in the Municipalities, an agreement that has been reached, in a historic way, with the three most important unions in the Local Administration Table of the FMRM.
Among the proposals, the schedule for the next Constituent Assembly, with the appointment of the new positions, has been set for November 6, leaving the necessary time for the formation of the new governments and the composition of the plenary sessions of the city councils prior to the election of positions in the FMRM.
Furthermore, during this time the spirit of the Federation has been revived and it has opened itself up to society, local councils, and the media. It has also become a representative body for local councils in their dealings with other administrations and organizations, and in forums of municipal interest.
New services have also been launched, such as economic advice for local councils and support for European projects. However, work continues to expand the areas of service in the coming years.
The training program, a flagship initiative of the FMRM and running since 1995, has reached over 20.5000 local employees who have participated in one of the more than 1.030 courses offered. Specifically, this year has seen a return to the figures and levels of its best years, with 33 courses taught and over 980 students.
The FMRM has also expressed its commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals and the 2030 Agenda, reaffirming its adherence to its implementation. As Hernández emphasized, this agenda must be integrated and implemented across all of our policies. Furthermore, the FMRM has also approved its endorsement of the declaration commemorating 40 years of local democracy issued by the Spanish Federation of Municipalities and Provinces.
The president of the FMRM thanked the mayor of Mula for his welcome and congratulated him on the work done at the San Francisco Convent for the maintenance and restoration of heritage and for the promotion of culture and tourism.
