A sharp conflict has erupted in Sevilla between the city administration and local police. At the height of preparations for Christmas events, when large crowds are expected on the streets, the city is facing a shortage of law enforcement officers. Mayor José Antonio Sanz was forced to implement an emergency plan to ensure at least some level of security at mass gatherings. However, of the 682 officers scheduled to be on duty, only 233 reported for work. This has alarmed residents and put the festive events at risk.
The mass absence of officers was caused by disagreements between the municipality and police unions. Officers expressed dissatisfaction with their working conditions and with how the authorities are addressing the staffing shortage. In particular, police are angered by being forced to work in emergency mode because of miscalculations in budgeting and organizing city events.
Budget disputes
This year, the city authorities have faced a shortage of funds to pay police overtime. Of the €17 million allocated for bonuses and additional payments, only €17,000 remained by December. The city hall tried to resolve the issue by proposing to use money from future budgets, but all opposition parties opposed the move. They accused the administration of poor planning and organizing too many events that cannot be properly secured with the current police staff.
Police unions also did not support the proposed plan. They insisted that all 40 holiday days be designated as special, which would allow for more officers to be assigned and higher overtime pay. However, the authorities only agreed to 20 days, citing budget constraints. As a result, the parties failed to reach an agreement, and the city council activated an old emergency plan typically used during natural disasters.
Legal threats
The situation escalated after the mayor threatened disciplinary action and even legal proceedings against police officers who failed to report for duty without a valid reason. The unions, in turn, filed complaints against the administration and are considering taking the matter to court for abuse of power. The city remains tense, with both sides accusing each other of irresponsibility and breaking the law.
This past weekend, during major events in Sevilla—a Christmas lights ceremony and a football match between Sevilla and Betis—hardly any police officers were seen on the streets. Residents complained about the lack of order, and some officials had to personally direct traffic. Traffic jams developed in some neighborhoods, and security was mostly provided by civil protection staff and the national police.
Positions of both sides
City Hall insists that public safety is the top priority and accuses the unions of making excessive demands. Police representatives, in turn, claim that the city spent the entire budget on bonuses during the first half of the year and is now trying to resolve the issue at the employees’ expense. They also point out that Seville has become an ‘amusement park’ with constant large-scale events, but there aren’t enough resources to support them.
Ahead of the long weekend and upcoming public events, authorities are urging police officers to act professionally and not abandon their posts. The unions say they are open to dialogue, but the sides remain far from reaching a compromise. Residents are watching the situation anxiously, fearing that the lack of police could lead to unrest during the holidays.
