The EH Bildu municipal government in Orio has provided clarifications in response to statements made by the PNV regarding the sports facility. According to EH Bildu, the PNV had the old sports facility and its surroundings "out of order" since 2007 and "never truly tackled the challenge" of relocating it, despite knowing it would be a source of conflict.
EH Bildu added that over the last seven years, it has "seriously" addressed the development of the new General Urban Planning Plan (PGOU), "with the aim of developing a comprehensive community project that responds to Orio's future challenges." They recalled that the PGOU has already received final approval and only "a final minor administrative step" remains for its entry into force.
For the local government, it was "irresponsible" to promote a public referendum before receiving the final approval of the PGOU, as "the construction of the sports facility in the Palota area was not guaranteed legally and urbanistically". "While others may be accustomed to 'selling smoke,' we do not work that way," they stated.
Once all conditions are met, a public referendum will be held on the first weekend of June. For EH Bildu, the debate is not just about "where" to build, but also about "what kind of sports facility" is desired. As evidence, they presented two preliminary designs: one in Palota, which proposes "reinforcing the plaza-like character and cultural offerings linked to the town center"; and another in Abaromendi, aiming to "complete and strengthen the network of sports infrastructure".
They emphasized that the presented proposals are "preliminary designs" and that "the final design will be defined in collaboration with the town's stakeholders, associations, and citizens." This participatory process will detail "the final characteristics of the facility, its uses, and its internal organization".
They announced that the process to be launched will have "all guarantees of transparency," through a public vote with identification and public counting of results. "Although not legally binding, the municipal parties have made a political commitment to respect the citizens' voice and make the final decision based on the results".
For the municipal government, the first weekend of June will be "a historic moment," as "the town will directly have the opportunity to give its opinion on a matter of such importance and strategic significance for Orio." "This is not a usual process: this popular referendum has great democratic and community value, and furthermore, it has been developed and designed in collaboration with the stakeholders involved from the beginning, especially with the pelota association".
In this context, the municipal government finds it "surprising and worrying" that "some are trying to tarnish this process with partisanship," accusing the PNV of "feeding electoralist controversy instead of fostering constructive debate about the town's future." "This clearly shows that for some, the general interest of the town takes a backseat to partisan interests," EH Bildu added.
Finally, they recalled that less than a year remains until the elections, and in this situation, they denounced that "the attempt to create artificial uproar and controversy is unfortunately becoming common." "We, however, are clear about the path: trusting the citizens, making decisions with transparency, and building Orio's future collaboratively".
