Canillo Parish Consuls Finalize Bill for Mandatory Consultations on Government Initiatives

Canillo parish consuls have finalized a draft bill mandating non-binding consultations on government or parliamentary initiatives that impact parish operations, organization, or competencies, and the government has expressed openness to reviewing it.

Jordi Alcobé, Canillo's senior consul, announced the nearly complete text following the consuls' meeting hosted in Canillo on Tuesday morning, with a subsequent press conference. The proposal establishes a formal procedure for prior communication on draft laws, proposals, or regulations with direct or indirect effects on parishes. It requires parishes to produce mandatory suitability reports, flag concerns, and propose collaborations before parliamentary proceedings, with the goal of resolving issues early and minimizing later amendments.

Minister Spokesperson Guillem Casal responded positively later Tuesday, stating the government has an "open hand" to work with the parishes. He noted that the executive has not yet received the text but is willing to meet, analyze it, and consider adaptations. Casal emphasized shared competencies across institutions and affirmed the legitimacy of the consuls' initiative, adding that the government would issue its own assessment once the bill enters parliamentary process.

Alcobé described the measure as "basically procedural," reflecting broad parish consensus. He pointed out frequent communication gaps, given that nearly every national regulation affects parishes through local implementation. The bill would also provide legal backing for consuls' meetings as a collegiate advisory body—non-binding and non-competency shifting—formalizing current practices like participating in national projects, government dialogue, and international representation.

Before formal submission to the General Council, consuls plan to share the draft with parliamentary groups and the government in the coming weeks for feedback. Alcobé anticipates swift processing through ordinary channels, with approval possible in the first half of the year due to its simplicity and existing support. He underscored that the effort enhances institutional coordination without altering parish powers.