This situation is partly due to state legislation which, since 2013, has imposed restrictions on public spending by local bodies and on staff hiring. These measures have prioritized debt reduction, which in the case of the Aranese capital is zero.
However, the council also faces other obstacles that prevent it from executing expenditure according to its forecasts. One of the main difficulties is the lack of staff, as explained by the top municipal representative. This situation is exacerbated by regulations that do not allow the hiring of necessary personnel to fill vacant positions.
“"We are short-handed. We have three or four positions to fill, and the regulations do not allow us to hire the necessary staff."
Another factor contributing to this problem is the generalized increase in prices, initially due to the conflict in Ukraine and, more recently, to the situation in Iran. This rise has caused municipal project budgets to become outdated, requiring new calculations and, in some cases, leaving public works tenders deserted due to a lack of offers. This reality is shared by other administrations.
The financial situation of the town council, corresponding to the close of the 2025 fiscal year, was made public at last week's plenary session. During the session, it was confirmed that the Vielha e Mijaran Town Council has no debts with banking entities, being the only provincial capital in Lleida without bank debt. Furthermore, it pays its suppliers in less than the 30 days established by law as a limit.
For the current year, a budget of 400,000 euros has been reserved for works at the Palai de Gèu, pending the study commissioned by the council to determine the necessary work on this facility. The governing team has reported that contributions are expected from the Conselh Generau d'Aran, the Diputació de Lleida, and the Generalitat de Catalunya to finance investments in this facility.
