The provincial council's plenary session initially approved this economic injection, which will be financed by budget surpluses from 2025. The president of the Provincial Council, Francisco Salado, explained that the funds will be unconditional, allowing each town hall to use them according to their priorities.
Salado highlighted that the institution demonstrates its commitment to municipal development, not only in infrastructure but also in the economic balance and financial sufficiency of town halls for maintaining public services.
The plan includes the distribution of €17.5 million for the 86 municipalities with fewer than 20,000 inhabitants and the two autonomous local entities, with amounts varying by population size, from €150,000 for the smallest to €260,000 for those between 15,001 and 20,000 inhabitants.
The remaining €17 million will be distributed among the 17 municipalities with over 20,000 inhabitants, with one million euros allocated to each. The distribution includes a correction factor to favor smaller towns, such as Salares, which will receive €773 per inhabitant, compared to €1.6 per person in Málaga capital.
Salado emphasized that the Provincial Council supports all municipalities, large and small, recognizing the interconnection and common budgetary needs in the face of rising costs and financial pressure.
The deputy for Economy, Finance, and Electronic Administration, María del Carmen Martínez, defended the plan as useful policy, stressing that larger cities are engines for surrounding populations.
“"Governing is not about pitting small towns against large ones. What you don't do, you want us to do, and we do what we must; while you confront and are exposed, supporting neither the large nor the small."
The opposition criticized the distribution. Socialist deputy Desirée Cortés called the distribution "unjust" and lamented the unilateral imposition of criteria by the PP. Vox spokesperson Antonio Luna defended the synergy between all municipalities, viewing them as "communicating vessels." Con Málaga spokesperson Juan Márquez explained the abstention to avoid blocking the funds but criticized the plan for betraying "real municipalism" by favoring large cities.
In other matters, motions were approved regarding IRPF exemption for agricultural aid, the declaration of police forces as high-risk professions, and the functional adaptation of homes. Motions were rejected concerning the opening of a senior center in Antequera and aid for animal welfare in small municipalities.
