Roses, in Girona, is due to change mayor on Saturday, 13 June, when Sílvia Ripoll of Junts is expected to take office after an extraordinary plenary session. The handover follows the tripartite government agreement signed in 2023 by PSC, Junts and Gent del Poble.
Ripoll said she arrives in the role with enthusiasm, while also recognising the pressure of leading in an election year. She confirmed that she intends to seek re-election in 2027.
She described the three years of coalition government as positive, saying the relationship between the three municipal groups has been good, cordial and friendly. Ripoll also praised current mayor Josep Maria Martínez, saying he had been respectful and had not blocked projects.
On council priorities, Ripoll said the revision of the POUM, the General Urban Development Plan, remains a pending issue that must be addressed. She said administrative delays, especially where approval is needed from other administrations such as the Generalitat or the State, have slowed progress.
Ripoll also pointed to the expansion of Zodiac as evidence that Roses can attract industry beyond tourism if suitable land is available. She said the municipality still needs an economic area for small industries, and argued that the Palau-saverdera road industrial zone would be a suitable location. For more local coverage, see our news page.
She said Roses should keep its town identity while providing services that match its size as a tourist destination, with a permanent population of 20,000 that rises to 150,000 in summer. Ripoll also highlighted long-running concerns in Santa Margarida, including the vacant Bocana building, and said the area needs more investment. She added that future coalitions may again be needed after the next municipal elections.
