The president of the Federation of Municipalities insists that the Spanish Government must continue sending aid to SMEs and the self-employed and that it is urgent that the CARM announce and implement its own aid..
Press release
As every Friday since the State of Emergency was declared, the 45 mayors are meeting online with the President of the Autonomous Community of the Region of Murcia to learn about the latest data and measures surrounding the COVID-19 health crisis.
The FMRM echoes the sentiments of the majority of mayors in the Region of Murcia and insists that the Spanish Government amend the Budget Stability Law so that we can mobilize the surplus and surpluses we have achieved through our rigorous budget management to assist our citizens in the face of this severe health, social, and economic crisis caused by COVID-19. To date, local governments are carrying out the primary social intervention, beyond their own powers. Our services are meeting the demands and even paying school lunch grants in anticipation of receiving some compensation from the CARM.
But we must also, as part of the State that we are, contribute to the economic recovery of our municipalities. To do so, we need to be able to invest our own savings.
For her part, the president of the Federation of Municipalities of the Region of Murcia (FMRM), María Dolores Muñoz, has defended the interests of the local councils, saying that "a surplus is a long-standing demand of the local community that is now essential, since the local councils are spending enormous amounts of money and making an enormous effort during this crisis to manage services and aid that are not our responsibility. Therefore, the rest of the administrations must focus on using their own resources to do their job and not make decisions that harm the local councils."
“We, the local authorities, are efficient managers, even though we are underfunded. Especially in our region, we have been able to save money. Now, in collaboration with the Spanish and regional governments, we want to spend it on our citizens.”
Another issue highlighted by President Muñoz is the importance of aid for SMEs, the self-employed, and businesses, which must be provided by national and regional governments. She asserts that "if these sectors do not receive real support, the economy will suffer a serious crisis that will be very difficult to overcome."
Another important piece of news has been the increase in COVID-19 testing in the region next week, which is expected to lead to a rise in the number of cases. María Dolores Muñoz, in this regard, said, “ From the Federation of Municipalities, we want to congratulate not only the healthcare workers but also the Regional Minister of Health and his entire team for their continued efforts and dedication during this crisis.”
On the other hand, López Miras has confirmed that the money from the school lunch grants will be deposited into the municipal coffers, and that the Public Works and Services Plan is guaranteed. In response, the mayors are asking for "more investment measures to be implemented in these areas."
In conclusion to this meeting, FMRM President María Dolores Muñoz called for unity, stating that "the agreement to resume ordinary life in the region must be reached with the participation of all stakeholders in coordination and harmony to respond to the needs of citizens at an extremely difficult time and overcome the social, economic, and health crisis."
