The government delegate in Cantabria, Eugenia Gómez de Diego, today highlighted the importance of European funds as a key engine for the socio-economic transformation of Cantabria, noting that the municipalities of the region have already mobilized 33 million euros through 57 calls financed by the Recovery Plan.
During his speech at the opening of the XXXVII Ordinary General Assembly of the Federation of Cantabrian Municipalities, Gómez de Diego highlighted the relevance of these resources in areas such as digital modernization, sustainability policies and the demographic challenge, recalling that “more than 2.5 million euros have been allocated in Cantabria for the digital transformation of local entities”. In addition, he added that between 2021 and 2023 the Government of Spain has invested 188 million euros in the region to combat demographic challenges, in programs such as the extension of the ultra-fast connection or tourism sustainability plans.
In his speech, Gómez de Diego valued the role of municipalities in improving the environment and quality of life of citizens, affirming that “Municipalism is the politics of the day to day: the government of the people for the people.”
The delegate recalled her experience as a councilor in Santander, where she “learned the demand, but also the pride of representing her neighbors.” He also expressed his gratitude for the work and commitment of mayors and councilors, stressing that “municipalism is a great political school.”
In a more critical tone, the delegate has regretted some political decisions that, in her opinion, harm the municipalities and autonomous communities. “Sometimes purely partisan decisions are made that go against the neighbors, such as voting against the path of stability proposed by Spain, which negatively impacts the spending capacity of local administrations and regional governments over the next two years,” he said. For Gómez de Diego, these actions represent “a direct attack on the Autonomous Communities themselves and the City Councils, which see how investment capacity is lost”.
It has also expressed its concern about the lack of respect for municipal autonomy in issues such as housing. “I believe that municipal autonomy is not respected when an autonomous government decides not to allow municipalities to use the law on issues where urgent solutions are needed, such as housing. It restricts the freedom and autonomy of municipalities to act for the benefit of their citizens,” he lamented.
Finally, Gómez de Diego reaffirmed the commitment of the Government Delegation with the municipalities, highlighting the success of the program 'La Administración Cerca de Ti', with which 64 visits have been made in 2024 to small municipalities to bring services and procedures to the citizens. He also highlighted the collaboration with the State Security Forces and Corps, which has allowed Cantabria to remain “one of the safest regions in one of the safest countries in the world”.