Rocío Vitero, councilor for EH Bildu in the Vitoria-Gasteiz City Council, has ruled out running for mayor in 2027 but emphasized her party's role during the legislature. "Our commitment is to the people of Gasteiz, not to the PNV," she stated, defending that agreements have been reached from the opposition, particularly on the budget.
Vitero, who was EH Bildu's lead candidate in the 2023 municipal elections, will not hold the mayoral position, but her group has been key in several agreements. However, she made it clear that they are not part of the government team and that "much more work remains to be done," postponing decisions until after the summer.
In this interview, Vitero addresses the housing situation, empty properties, URSSA residents, the home help service, and private residences with public funding. According to her, EH Bildu has managed to implement part of its project from the opposition.
“"Our commitment and our partner is the people of Gasteiz."
Vitero, the most valued politician in the City Council, is not the mayor, but believes that EH Bildu "lacks nothing" to govern, but rather must "continue developing good projects." She indicated that they are growing election after election, and that people are increasingly aware of their social project.
She described the housing crisis as an emergency, stating that over 18,000 people are requesting social housing. She advocated for planning and the construction of new homes, as well as measures to activate vacant properties, such as tax increases.
Regarding the URSSA situation, she called for "less noise and more work," and stated that these individuals do not voluntarily choose to live on the street or in a warehouse. She highlighted the need for coordination among the three administrations and for allocating resources, especially for creating new places in reception centers.
On the home help service (SAD), Vitero expressed satisfaction, emphasizing that it allows the elderly to remain in their homes for as long as possible. However, she also pointed out the need to improve the conditions of caregivers, considering them "public workers."
She questioned the model of private residences, warning about the entry of corporate profit motives into the care sector. She also urged the Provincial Council to assume its responsibility in creating public places.
Finally, when asked about the possibility of becoming mayor, Vitero stated that the important thing is to "carry out a project," not "grand slogans." She suggested that the City Council should be more of an "icebreaker" than a "transoceanic vessel," to "break some dynamics."
