Seville Budget Deal Ends Emissions Zone, Tightens Migrant Rules

A political budget agreement in Seville between the Popular Party (PP) and Vox has generated concern among environmental and social organizations. The deal effectively eliminates the city's only Low Emission Zone (ZBE) and imposes stricter requirements for irregular migrants to register in the municipal census.

The agreement also reduces funding for equality programs and development cooperation. These funds are being redirected to support pro-natalist policies and the establishment of an anti-abortion office. Critics argue that these measures reflect a broader ideological shift and anticipate similar agreements appearing in regional and national governments.

The budget pact between the PP and Vox introduces significant changes to urban policy in Seville. Environmental groups have expressed surprise at the decision to remove the city's sole Zona de Bajas Emisiones (ZBE). This measure, included in the agreement to secure the necessary votes for the 2025 accounts, removes the primary mechanism for restricting high-emission vehicles in the city center.

In addition to environmental rollbacks, the deal alters migration policies. The agreement seeks to harden the inscription of irregular migrants in the municipal padrón (registry). This change complicates access to public services for this population group. The convergence of environmental deregulation and stricter migration controls has characterized the political partnership.

Women's associations and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have faced a year of budgetary constraints, which this latest pact appears to cement. The PP, governing in minority in the city council, made concessions to Vox to secure support for the 2025 budget. These concessions resulted in cuts to funding for equality programs and international cooperation.

Instead of funding these traditional social programs, the budget allocates resources to:

• Pro-natalist policies aimed at increasing birth rates.
• The creation and funding of an anti-abortion office.

These shifts represent a distinct ideological change in the management of municipal funds.

Representatives from various organizations view this local agreement as a potential blueprint for future governance at higher levels. There is concern that similar coalitions between the PP and Vox in autonomous communities or the central government could replicate these policies. The deal is seen as an indicator of the political direction Spain might take if current polling trends hold.

Antonia Ábalos, a historical feminist figure from Mexico who resides in Andalusia and founded the Association of Women Survivors Victims of Gender Violence, commented on the situation. Regarding the possibility of these trends stopping, she stated: "No veo posibilidad de que esto pare" (I see no possibility of this stopping).

Her statement underscores the pessimism felt by veteran activists who have witnessed a year of similar political maneuvers.