The Government gives the green light to the popular consultation
The Government has approved the holding of a popular consultation on the project of the new industrial estate ‘Les Planes del Vent’ in Bisbal del Penedès, in Baix Penedès. This decision was taken after the City Council initially rejected the request of the Promotion Committee of the Consultation, arguing that it did not conform to current regulations. However, the Commission for the Control of Non-Referendum Popular Consultations of the Generalitat has rejected the City Council’s arguments and has ordered that the request be processed (https://www.softcatala.org/resum-de- texts-in-Catalan/).
The arguments of the Control Commission
The Control Commission has argued that the City Council did not admit the consultation request based on legal reasons that are not valid. According to the Commission, the argument of summoning only a group not affected by the scope of the consultation does not justify the inadmissibility of the request. In addition, he considers that the restrictive interpretation of the use of the consultation mechanism that the City Council defends is not consistent with the purpose of promoting and facilitating the holding of consultations, including those of citizens’ initiative.
The delimitation of the query
The Control Commission has also emphasized that the delimitation of the group convened must be clear and be consistent with the purpose of the consultation. In this sense, the promoters of the consultation have proposed that only the residents of the center and the urbanization of La Miralba, the areas most affected by the proximity to the area where the industrial park will be built, can participate.
The signature collection process
The promoters of the consultation have a term of 60 days to collect 150 signatures or 10% of the census called to vote. Once the signatures have been collected, the City Council must provide the necessary spaces for their delivery. If the deadlines are met, it is expected that the consultation can be carried out in December of this year or in January of 2025.
The position of the Promotion Committee
The promoters of the consultation have expressed their satisfaction with the approval of the consultation and have asked the government team to facilitate the organization of the process. They have also made it clear that their intention is not to stop or approve the project, but to consult the public and for the City Council to act accordingly. Although they would prefer the consultation to be binding, they understand that the law does not allow it. The result of the consultation will force the City Council to take a position on the project.
Collaboration with the City Council
The promoters of the consultation have expressed their willingness to collaborate with the City Council to ensure that the process is democratic and transparent. They have asked that the City Council provide the necessary resources for the collection of signatures and that it undertakes to act based on the result of the consultation.
conclusion
The public consultation on the ‘Les Planes del Vent’ industrial estate in La Bisbal del Penedès has been approved by the Government, after the City Council initially rejected the request. The process of collecting signatures has already begun and it is expected that the consultation can be carried out in December of this year or in January 2025. The promoters of the consultation are asking for the collaboration of the City Council to guarantee a democratic process and transparent (https://www.softcatala.org/resum-de-textos-en-catala/).
