Juan Mari Aburto reflects on legacy during Bilbao plenary session

Juan Mari Aburto has begun his farewell process as the Mayor of Bilbao, presiding over his final plenary session. While he has eight months remaining in his term, the session served as a reflection on his twelve-year tenure and his political legacy.

Aburto highlighted several key achievements of his administration, including maintaining a zero-debt status for the city, achieving a treasury surplus of 114 million euros, and reducing unemployment by more than 9,300 people since 2015. He also emphasized urban improvements such as increased accessibility through the installation of elevators in various neighborhoods and the removal of Francoist symbols.

Regarding governance, the Mayor noted the stability of his administration, citing pacts with the PSE-EE and the agreement of 741 propositions with opposition parties. He expressed a commitment to public service and the common good, stating that “good politics is worth it” despite the challenges of social polarization.