Meritxell Budó, Leader of the Catalan Association of Municipalities (ACM)
After a recent interview, Meritxell Budó (Barcelona, 1969) shows interest in the changes promoted by President Pere Aragonès in the Government.
Her landing at the head of the Catalan Association of Municipalities (ACM), where she has arrived after returning to the mayor’s office of La Garriga, has not diminished her interest in national politics, where she participated as councilor of the Presidency, spokesperson for the Government and also a senior position in the Department of Health.
A Leader Committed to the Future of Catalan Municipalism
In an exclusive interview, Budó reviews the immediate challenges of the ACM, talks bluntly about how to deal with the problem of multi-recidivism, and recommends to Junts that any internal debate take place behind closed doors.
In September he became president of the ACM and highlights the importance of the organization at the local level, stating that the other administrations must see the municipalities as allies to build a better future.
The Objectives of the ACM
Budó shares that the ACM focuses on four axes: municipalism, ecological transition, social and territorial equity, and internationalization, while betting on a joint vision of the future.
In this sense, he highlights the importance of training local technicians and elected officials, as well as the need for an accompanied ecological transition to guarantee social and territorial equity.
ACM’s Position on Crucial Issues
Budó shares his opinion on different issues, including drought, depopulation and immigration, highlighting the need for co-governance and a comprehensive vision in decision-making.
The Problem of Multirecidivism
With forcefulness, Budó criticizes the problem of multi-recidivism, underlining the importance of justice in the face of this issue: “No matter where he is from, we must not allow a multi-recidivist offender to be free in our municipalities”.
This is one of the important concerns that Budó highlights in his work, underlining the need to address this issue fairly and decisively.
Drought and Resource Management
Budó is also critical of the Government’s initial approach to the issue of drought, highlighting the need to address it more effectively and comprehensively to guarantee a sustainable future.
In this sense, he underlines the importance of political decisions in relation to this problem, calling for a more determined and collective action.
The Importance of Co-governance
Budó highlights the importance of co-governance in making political decisions, stressing that this is a fundamental key in the management of the country’s resources and policies.
In this sense, it highlights the need to see the municipalities as allies in the construction of a better future, appealing to a collective and comprehensive vision in decision-making.
The Future of Catalonia
Budó shares his vision on the future of Catalonia and the importance of cooperation between the different political actors, calling for local mobilization and the reconstruction of the pro-independence spirit.
The Role of Parties in Building the Future
Budó makes a self-criticism regarding the need to build bridges between the pro-independence parties, calling for joint cooperation to move towards a better future for Catalonia.
In this sense, he emphasizes the importance of cooperation between the different parties in making crucial decisions for the country.
The Political Future of Carles Puigdemont
Budó expresses his support for the restoration of Carles Puigdemont’s political rights and his freedom of movement, appealing to Puigdemont’s will to decide his political future.
Unity in Governance
Budó points out the importance of pro-independence unity in making political decisions, calling for joint cooperation between the different political actors to move towards a better future for Catalonia.
The Commitment of Boards in Governance
Budó celebrates the involvement of Junts in the governability of the State, highlighting the importance of taking decisions in favor of Catalonia from the political arena.
Collaboration with the PSOE and other Priority Topics
Budó points to the importance of collaboration with other parties to advance priority issues such as funding and other relevant issues for the future of Catalonia.
In this sense, he underlines the importance of seeking the common benefit for Catalonia through inter-party collaboration.
The Political Future of Carles Puigdemont
Budó expresses his support for the restoration of Carles Puigdemont’s political rights and his freedom of movement, appealing to Puigdemont’s will to decide his political future.
Future of Together and the Need for Cohesion
Budó calls for internal cohesion and cooperation within Junts, appealing to the importance of internal collaboration for effective progress in political decision-making.
