Less than two days before the official launch of the Christmas lights in Sevilla and three days ahead of the derby between Sevilla FC and Real Betis, the city has found itself at the center of a heated conflict between the municipal authorities and the local police. Issues regarding the safety of large-scale events and overtime pay for law enforcement officers remain unresolved. Negotiations have reached a stalemate, leaving the fate of dozens of festive events—including markets, parades, and attractions—uncertain.
Financial deadlock and political pressure
The municipality, led by members of the Partido Popular, is facing a major challenge: on the eve of an extraordinary city council meeting called by Vox, it became clear that the budget for overtime pay was exhausted back in April. All additional hours worked from May through October, it turns out, lack legal grounds for compensation. Despite this, city officials are seeking to approve a new plan allocating €5.6 million to maintain order during the holiday period.
Police unions have already warned: if the plan is approved without their consent, they will immediately challenge it in court. Police representatives emphasize they are not willing to work overtime without clear guarantees of payment. According to them, the city has yet to settle wages for overtime during last Easter, the spring fair, and even the 2022 Europa League final.
Disagreements over working conditions and scope
The main point of contention is the duration and funding of the holiday plan. The municipality proposes to designate only weekends and public holidays from November 28 to December 21 as special days, and then every day until January 7. For this, 5.6 million euros are allocated. However, the police insist the budget should be no less than last year’s—about 8 million—and that the special measures should run from this coming Friday through December 7 inclusive.
According to union representatives, city officials are trying to cut costs by boosting police presence only on weekends, even though numerous events—especially in the evenings—take place on weekdays. The police are demanding an uninterrupted plan so that they can allocate resources in advance and prepare for the crowds.
Budget maneuvering and political games
Implementing the plan requires not just additional funding, but also the official acknowledgment of debts for previously worked overtime, as well as budget adjustments for firefighters and other services. These issues were due to be discussed last week, but were removed from the agenda due to lack of support from Vox—the key ally of the People’s Party in the city council.
Now, the fate of the Christmas festivities hinges on an extraordinary meeting where Vox may play a decisive role. If the party supports the initiative, it could claim credit for saving the holiday for the people of Sevilla.
Chronic resource shortages and the impact on the city
Seville faces recurring issues with a lack of funding and personnel needed to ensure safety at major public events. Every time the city prepares for large gatherings—whether it’s Semana Santa, the spring fair, or Christmas—the debate over pay and resource allocation becomes a stumbling block. On top of this, unplanned marches, concerts, and international meetings demand additional resources.
Unions point out that the authorities were aware of budget shortages but still went ahead with large-scale events. This has left police officers having to work without financial support, putting the city at risk of being left without adequate security during the busiest time of year.
Outlook and possible developments
The mayor of Seville, José Luis Sanz, assured yesterday that police support will be provided, but only within the law and if funding is available. He emphasized that even the head of the city cannot break the law to resolve a labor dispute.
If a compromise can be reached at the emergency meeting, police officers could be required to return to duty as soon as this Friday. However, unions warn they are prepared to challenge the decision in court immediately if their demands are not met. As a result, the fate of Seville’s Christmas events remains uncertain, leaving thousands of residents and visitors awaiting the outcome of this standoff.
