According to the Arrasate Municipal Government, this funding is “indispensable” to execute the major projects currently underway. The Councillor for Finance, Joseba Ezpeleta, explained that the loan will enable three significant initiatives outlined in the Government Plan: the Iturripe project, the acquisition of the building that was the Mesedeetako school, and the urbanization of Grupo San Juan.
Conversely, the PNV voted against the measure, maintaining its initial stance, arguing that this loan would lead the City Council “to the abyss”. The jeltzale municipal spokesperson, Ander Garay, warned that the City Council would have to repay between twelve and 24 million euros in interest, which would mean “leading the town to the abyss, bankruptcy, and a twenty-year hijacking of democracy”, as the City Council “would not have decision-making power”.
“"It became clear in the plenary session that requesting the loan is essential to carry out all the projects we have in hand, and we do not understand the PNV's position. Without this loan, we cannot do the projects."
Mayor Maider Morras, in response to the PNV's criticisms, accused them of political opportunism and emphasized that the loan has the approval of the secretariat and intervention, and comes with “all guarantees”. Socialist Councillor Johanna Sanchez added that projects like Iturripe require significant investment, and thanks to the loan, funds will be available for the Gorostiza project, the urbanization of Grupo San Juan, or the repair of the water supply network.
In addition to the loan approval, the City Council unanimously agreed to extend the municipal bus service contract for nine months. The Municipal Government has been conducting studies and surveys since January 2025 to define the nature of the future service. Kepa Urteaga, municipal spokesperson for EH Bildu, explained that they are working on preparing the tender documents, and since the contract ends in July, the extension is necessary until the documents are properly prepared.
The PNV voted in favor on this point but criticized EH Bildu and Elkarrekin Arrasate for a lack of consistency, recalling that in similar situations they had voted against contracts in the General Assemblies. The session began with a minute of silence to condemn the Pamplona femicide and was interrupted for half an hour to join the concentration in Herriko Plaza.
