Staffing Over Location in Policing Debate
Marçal Ortuño, mayor of Torelló, has stressed that increasing police presence in Osona Nord is more critical than deciding where to place a potential second Mossos d'Esquadra station. Speaking on El 9 Matí, he said the priority must be having more officers available when local police cannot resolve incidents. “Nous el primer que reclamem és més efectius,” Ortuño stated, emphasizing that response times and capacity are constrained by current staffing levels. While Manlleu has proposed a dedicated station for northern Osona, Ortuño said the exact location, whether in Manlleu or further north in Sant Quirze de Besora, is secondary. What matters most, he argued, is ensuring sufficient personnel across the area.
Government Hiring Boosts Police Numbers
Ortuño linked his call to broader efforts by the Generalitat to strengthen the Mossos. The regional government has approved an increase of 400 new basic-grade officer positions, adding to 900 already announced in early September 2026, bringing the total planned recruitment to 1,300 under a resolution issued by the Department of Interior and Security Policy (govern.cat). The move aims to correct structural deficits in police capacity and improve public safety across Catalonia over the medium term.
“The administration issue needs thorough revision because it’s collapsing,”
said Ortuño, reflecting on seven years leading Torelló’s council. He cited bureaucratic delays as a major obstacle to advancing municipal projects.
Tackling Urban Security and Healthcare Gaps
Beyond policing, Ortuño addressed ongoing challenges with illegal occupations in areas like Carrer Sant Josep. The town council is pursuing judicial evictions and using municipal powers over substandard housing (infravivienda) to act where possible. He noted that many incidents fall between antisocial behaviour and criminal acts, limiting councils’ legal tools. “The consequences are felt by residents as insecurity,” he said. On healthcare, Torelló, Sant Vicenç de Torelló, and Sant Pere de Torelló have united to demand solutions from the Department of Health after months without sufficient medical staff. Since August, some villages have had only 13 days of doctor visits scheduled between September and October. A joint meeting with health authorities has been arranged following this coordinated pressure (El 9 Nou). Ortuño admitted: “Satisfied? We are not.” He urged that upcoming renovations at Torelló’s primary care centre (CAP) be used to rethink the entire system, not just expand the building.
Economic Development and Future Rail Plans
The Gazeta industrial park remains a key economic project, with the council working to finalise administrative reception and attract businesses from within and outside the Vall del Ges. Officials are targeting companies needing larger premises, promoting Torelló’s proximity to the Vic-Olot corridor and rail connectivity. Potential future improvements include a second train station in Torelló linked to the R3 Rodalies line. Ortuño has not yet decided whether to run for a third term in the next municipal elections. He confirmed that several initiatives from his current mandate are nearing completion but said no final decision has been made.
Primary sources: govern.cat, serveisperemprendre.gencat.cat, mossos.gencat.cat, eapc. Reported by el9nou.cat, Departament d'Interior i Seguretat Pública, El 9 Nou.
