Mayor's Coalition Passes Fiscal Measures Amid Tensions
The Ajuntament de Manresa has approved a 2.5% average increase in municipal taxes for the coming year, a move backed by the ruling coalition of ERC, PSC and Impulsem. The decision, ratified at a council session on Thursday 15 October 2026, will affect most local taxes and the IBI (property tax), with officials stating the rise is half the current inflation rate. Under the new fiscal ordinances, the city expects to collect an additional €2.16 million, funds deemed essential to cover rising operational costs. The increase applies to a wide range of public fees and the IBI, though existing tax reductions, such as a 75% discount for certain households, will remain in place.
Waste Policy Sparks Heated Debate
The debate grew tense as opposition parties challenged not only the tax changes but also the city’s new waste management model. A key provision requires residents to open sealed waste containers at least 28 times a year, 12 each for organic and recyclable waste, and four for residual waste, or face a €45 surcharge. The measure, designed to detect misuse of the system, was defended by Councillor Pol Huguet, responsible for Climate Action, who stated it would not affect most users. However, Junts councillor Ramon Bacardit accused the government of treating citizens as 'guinea pigs' and called the policy an 'ideological obsession'. Councillor Jordi Trapé of Fem Manresa expressed support for the waste model in principle but warned that its implementation risked turning the waste tax into a 'hidden fine'. Nationalist group representative Sergi Perramon added that families 'do not live inside an Excel spreadsheet', urging the government to find alternatives that do not further burden household budgets.
Mayor Responds to Accusations of Harassment
Tensions escalated when Mayor Marc Aloy referenced former coalition members from Bacardit’s own party who had previously supported the waste system. Bacardit interrupted, accusing Aloy of harassment: 'Do not do it again. Stop harassing councillors Gili and Tarragó.' The exchange drew criticism from governing party members, who noted Bacardit had previously called for the removal of Councillor Tània Infante. The council president later confirmed the fiscal ordinances were approved, with Junts, Fem and Vox voting against, and the Nationalist group abstaining.
Support for Business and Job Creation
Alongside the tax changes, the government has expanded incentives for economic activity. The ICIO tax on construction remains at 4%, with a new bonus of up to 65% for industrial units in the Pont Nou industrial estate and the Technological Park, depending on the number of jobs created (minimum 10). For the IAE business tax, the government has frozen rates and increased bonuses: the new business start-up discount rises from 25% to 50%, and the expansion of staff discount from 20% to 50%. These measures aim to stimulate employment and investment in the city. Further details on the fiscal changes are available on the Ajuntament de Manresa website.
Reported by regio7.cat, eb.manresa.cat, web.manresa.cat, Regió 7.
