Political Coalition Includes Non-Spanish Residents
30 October 2006
A new political coaltition, established in Calpe, aims to bring foreign settlers into the political arena.
 The move is the brainchild of Ximo Tur, one of Calpe's town councellors representing the Bloc political party. His aim is to increase the number of foreign residents, who live in the town, but as yet have had very little to do with the running of the town. Already, the coalition has been joined by British residents. Carole Saunders is an environmental campaigner, and Linda Herrada, a canditate for the Green Party, joined the Bloc coalition so that “ordinary people” can be at the heart of decision making in the town.
It is reckoned that up to now, the mayor has been elected by less than 30% of the residential population of Calpe.
Ximo Tur has come under severe criticism for the move. However, he defends himself saying that he recognises that Spain of today is about a broad spectrum of people, who collectively have the interests of the country at heart. He sees it as a natural progression that foreign residents should partake in the political future of Spain.
He has gone on to say that his first move would be to have all official documents printes in at least five languages; Castillano (Spanish), Valenciano (local tongue), English, French and German.
|
