The municipal group Esquerra Oberta de Bunyola has attacked Mayor Marian Serralta (PP) for her statements regarding the siege of a councillor, considering that she normalises intimidation and justifies verbal assaults.
The municipal group Esquerra Oberta de Bunyola (EOB) has issued a statement accusing the mayor, Marian Serralta (PP), of “publicly condoning intimidating behaviour” following the controversy generated by the siege at the home of a councillor in the municipality. The party believes that the words of the mayor represent a “serious institutional gravity” and a capitulation of her democratic responsibilities.
Statements that normalise violence
According to EOB, the mayor allegedly stated that “people have a short fuse” when it comes to political scrutiny, a phrase that the group interprets as a justification for the verbal assaults suffered by the councillor. For the party, this attitude “endangers democratic values” and sets a dangerous precedent in the municipality.
“Coercing those who scrutinise is a direct attack on political pluralism,” EOB points out, defending that their opposition work has been limited to demanding compliance with current regulations. The party reminds that the highest municipal authority must ensure the safety of all citizens, including public officials.
Controversy over televisions in public spaces
The conflict is part of a broader dispute over the installation of televisions in public spaces during the World Cup. The mayor allegedly claimed that no permission was necessary for this, considering it a “cultural custom”. EOB describes this statement as a “unacceptable legal falsehood” and reminds that municipal ordinances do not contemplate such installations.
Specifically, the party cites the Public Space Occupation Ordinance (BOIB no. 95, 2022), whose article 25.1 limits the authorised elements to tables, chairs, umbrellas, signs, and heaters, excluding screens or televisions. Furthermore, article 23.8 expressly prohibits the use of furniture not provided for in the regulations, while the use of televisions without approved devices would violate the noise pollution ordinance.
EOB questions whether the mayor's office can establish “verbal exceptions” to the rules, insisting that the law “is not negotiable” and cannot be adapted to political conveniences. “Doing so represents a clear dereliction of duty,” they warn.
A “populist” drift that blames the victim
The party concludes by denouncing what it considers a “populist drift” that calls for tolerance towards illegality and, moreover, “blames the victim” of episodes of homophobic insults, threats, and firecracker throwing. “Violence and incivility can never be justified, especially from an institutional platform,” they emphasise.
Finally, Esquerra Oberta de Bunyola reiterates that the governing team has the obligation to safeguard the right to rest, free movement, and the safety of public officials, and assures that it will continue to exercise its oversight role “with responsibility and rigor” in defence of respect for legality and democratic coexistence.
So far, Mayor Marian Serralta has not commented on EOB's accusations, although municipal sources indicate that the governing team is considering issuing a statement in the coming days. The controversy has generated intense debate in the municipality, where residents are closely following the developments.
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