The discussion centers on transparency, legality, and efficiency in how public funds are managed, alongside the essential role of audits and control studies for local and regional governments. These themes were championed by the Ombudsman. In a speech delivered at a Municipality Forum organized by INFORMACIÓN, insights were shared about ongoing Court of Accounts projects, including reports planned for the upcoming year that examine the implementation of low emission zones (ZBE). The European Union sets requirements for these initiatives.
The Ombudsman calls for a work ethic among authorities that strengthens the Administration.
This forthcoming study, scheduled for publication before year’s end, will be preceded by a report assessing the support city councils provide to municipal groups. The Ombudsman also highlighted that the Audit Office has gathered data on cybersecurity measures used by administrations to comply with the National Security Plan. It noted that accountability indicators within the Valencian Community exceed those seen in many other autonomous regions.
Coup
The Ombudsman announced a horizontal audit conducted in collaboration with the European Commission, focusing on progress toward ZBEs. It stressed contact with the EU and affirmed the need for control bodies to measure how the project affects citizens while reducing emissions. City councils have historically welcomed mutual cooperation aimed at improving residents’ quality of life.
In this spirit, members of the institution, especially first‑time appointees since the May elections, were encouraged to visit the institution’s website for information about obligations and responsibilities. The forthcoming audit findings on the support to municipal groups will be posted there. The Ombudsman noted concerns that subsidies are often distributed without clear accountability for the use of funds, urging plenary sessions to demand responsibility.
Reports
Cybersecurity forms a bridge between Sindicatura de Comptes’ traditional duties and its newer focuses. The Ombudsman defended the publication of May reports revealing that certain provincial and municipal bodies in the Valencian Community performed well in this area. It was also recalled that a cyber attack on Xixona City Council interrupted proper accounting for several years.
The speaker commended Valencian Community administrations for a healthier financial position than in previous years. It was noted that municipal authorities should understand their own financial status and compare with peers to drive improvement. The regional accountability index was described as being very close to 100 percent.
The discussion highlighted two causal factors behind these figures. First, the Generalitat does not award subsidies to municipal councils that fail to show accountability to the Sindicatura. Second, the institution’s enforcement power allows it to impose coercive fines, a tool not universally available across all autonomous communities, such as Andalusia, which operates under a different framework.