There is someone alive in the story, a figure who occupies a central chair in the Estepona neighborhood association. The head of this community has been assigned an annual salary of 86,700 euros. The news carried a sense of distance and surprise: the individual had already been earning 84,000, yet the annual general meeting of owners approved a salary update. The protagonist argued that the CPI had risen steeply, making the rise necessary in his view. The scene unfolds around Urbanization or Torre Bermeja, an enclave known for its high-profile residents who are often outsiders, people who live there only for a few days or months each year and who tend to sublet many of their properties. If someone like Tato could afford to purchase a home there, perhaps even they would forgo attending the shareholder meetings altogether.
Negotiating agreements within the community over decisions as mundane as the color of the awnings, the landscaping of common areas, or the pool hours has always demanded courage, patience, and negotiation finesse. Yet, in this case it is evident that the authority rests with the president, or at least the challenge to find someone who can truly lead the group. The president, with a certain level of esteem attached to the role, is expected to command respect both within and beyond the neighborhood. The Horizontal Property Law permits reimbursement of representation expenses or exemptions from fees for the president, and the conversation about who should wear the mantle is not trivial. The dynamic at Torre Bermeja hints at a broader tension: someone from outside the daily rhythms of the community could turn an ordinary presidency into something reminiscent of a self-governing micro-nation. It might even require ministers to manage the affairs effectively.
In the public recounting of the matter, only one woman among 109 property owners came forward with concerns or observations about the situation. The rest appeared either unaware, indifferent, or simply wealthy enough that the issue did not press on their radar. Some speculated that the current administrator might be so competent that he could be considered for higher offices—perhaps Minister of Agriculture, Undersecretary of Development, or even a seat in parliament. Others suggested he could negotiate the Amnesty Law, or at least serve as a spokesperson, though the latter was deemed unlikely due to limited explanatory capability. The authorial voice here is one of quiet admiration, edged with a touch of envy. The sentiment is common: few relish the burden of leading a neighborhood association, though the prospect of an 86,700 euro salary could tempt a different calculus. With the gold standard of compensation effectively stagnant, the discussion turns to the practicalities of financial stewardship: how to justify the salary, how to balance the budget, and how to allocate resources to maintain the community’s prized sea views.
At Torre Bermeja, the daily rhythm of collective life is shaped by the tension between privilege and responsibility. The residents, described as wealthy guardians of a scenic coastline, seek a sense of peace and predictable routines, even as the underlying governance questions persist. The community must decide whether the current leadership is delivering value commensurate with pay, and whether the salary aligns with the broader economic context of the region. The juxtaposition of a serene beachfront setting with the sometimes bruising realities of property governance creates a narrative tension: a neighborhood that promises calm sea vistas yet harbors the inevitable friction of collective decision-making. The central figure, tasked with steering this micro-society, embodies both the potential for prudent administration and the risk of perceived privilege when compensation rises, especially in times of inflation and shifting market conditions. The story remains a reflection on leadership, accountability, and the delicate balance between service, representation, and remuneration in a community that sits at the edge of Europe’s enduring maritime allure.