Escaldes-Engordany Leader Slams Government Lawsuit Over Housing Data

Rosa Gili, the cònsol major of Escaldes-Engordany, has criticised the government's decision to pursue legal action against her parish council for not submitting rental contract data. Speaking on Tuesday, Gili expressed surprise at Housing Minister Conxita Marsol's announcement during the Debat d’Orientació Política at the Consell General to initiate proceedings for the information.

Gili called the step a misuse of public funds and evidence of the executive's unease over housing policy. She noted that her parish is assessing the new housing law, which includes deadlines for meeting the data requirements. The cònsol challenged the obligation on parish councils to gather and relay private landlords' details, proposing that property owners submit them directly to the ministry or Institut de l’Habitatge.

"We face too many duties and do not have the government's resources for this," Gili stated, rejecting any suggestion of obstructing housing efforts. She called for cooperation across administrations, rooted in mutual respect and shared national goals.

Gili tied the issue to wider frustration with the government's housing record, pointing out public discontent beyond her parish. She referenced last-minute public housing proposals before the 2023 and 2019 elections. "We hurry along and fault those unable to reply in the Consell General," she said, adding that her parish lacks representation there.

She suggested political motivations, given Escaldes-Engordany's influence. "Securing Escaldes matters to Demòcrates or any group seeking power," Gili observed, citing the parish's role in producing leaders from past and present governments. Her council, she affirmed, supports the executive loyally.

Meanwhile, Massana's cònsol major, Eva Sansa, has stayed neutral in the Marsol-Gili dispute. "They'll sort it out," Sansa said, emphasising housing as a national priority requiring joint effort regardless of politics. Her parish has fulfilled its obligations, she added, and all parties must contribute to sensitive initiatives like these. No concrete legal steps have followed the ministry's warning.

Speculation continues about Gili's prospects ahead of parish elections, including a possible Concòrdia list with Cerni Escalé, despite her PS exit. She has said she would only join a national list in a viable spot, with her tenure potentially shaping talks as coalitions evolve.