The Consell de Formentera has given the green light, this Tuesday, January 21, in an initial way, to the 2025 budget, the highest ever recorded in the history of the institution, reaching 45,399,100 euros. This figure represents an increase of 4.22% (1.83 million euros) over the previous year, driven by higher tax revenues and funds from European programs such as Next Generation EU.
A divided political consensus
The approval, which took place in an extraordinary and urgent session of the plenary, had the votes in favor of the government team of Sa Unió, the abstention of the Socialist Party and Gent per Formentera, and the only vote against the non-attached councilor, Llorenç Córdoba. The latter showed his dissatisfaction with the priorities of the plan. The Councilor of Finance, Javier Serra, stressed that this budget seeks to consolidate the economic and social progress of the island, ensuring financial stability and strengthening public services.
The breakdown of the budget
The personnel expenses chapter amounts to 19,995,000 euros, equivalent to 44.04% of the total, allowing stabilizing the staff and advancing the implementation of the professional career to 100%, initially planned for 2026. Serra stressed that this measure will strengthen the essential services provided by the institution. As for current expenditure, 17,541,000 euros will be allocated, a slight decrease of 3.61%. Of this amount, 11.34 million come from the Govern Balear through the law of financing of the councils and 5.13 million from the central government. The chapter of real investments will experience an increase of 10.3%, reaching 4.98 million euros, with key contributions from the Sustainable Tourism Tax and agreements with the Balearic Government. These items will finance strategic projects focused on sustainability and modernization of infrastructures.
Priorities and new projects
The budget allocates 2.54 million euros in aid to families, young people and education, including a 50% increase in scholarships for vocational training and university students. Subsidies to the primary sector and cultural entities are also maintained. Among the key projects, the following stand out:
- Rehabilitation of cultural heritage, such as the museum of Formentera and Can Ramon.
- Essential infrastructure, such as the expansion of the fire station and the improvement of the sewage system.
- Energy sustainability, with the installation of photovoltaic panels and electric recharging points.
- Innovations in waste management with underground containers.
Challenges and sustainability
Councilor Serra thanked the collaboration of civil servants and the openness to dialogue with opposition groups to move the budget forward. He also emphasized Formentera’s commitment to sustainable development, highlighting investments in renewable energies and the improvement of water resources.
