The mayor of Getafe, Sara Hernández, has expressed her indignation at the regional government's refusal under Isabel Díaz Ayuso to develop public nursing homes in the municipality, despite having land available for more than 20 years. Hernández criticizes the alleged lack of willingness by the Community of Madrid to meet the needs of Getafe's elderly population.
In a letter addressed to the Social Affairs Councillor, Ana Dávila, the mayor reiterates the offer of three plots that the City Council has proposed on several occasions in recent years: one in Perales del Río since 2002, another in El Bercial since 2004, and a third offered in 2011. However, according to Hernández, all of these proposals have been neglected by the regional administration.
The local leader has expressed her frustration by stating that the Community accuses socialist municipalities of not ceding land, when in Getafe there has not only been willingness, but there has been a reiterated commitment. "The attitude of the regional government is irresponsible and shameful," he pointed out.
In contrast to the Community's 40/40 Plan announcements, Hernández pointed to what he considers a propagandistic use of social policy, accusing the Ayuso administration of favoring a privatizing model that, according to him, proved inefficient and harmful during the pandemic, where more than 7,000 deaths were reported in care homes run by the Community.
The mayor has urged regional authorities to prioritize the construction of public care homes that offer dignified and professional care, and to cease sending propaganda communications. "The plots remain ready for use. If no progress is made, it is due to a lack of political commitment," he added.
Additionally, Sara Hernández has raised the need to address other projects of interest, such as the Almendro Day Center, built by the City Council and which, despite its capacity for 50 users, the Community has only allocated 35 places. She also mentioned the efforts to recover the sheltered housing units on Avenida de las Ciudades and the future housing developments planned in El Bercial, inviting the councilor to discuss these issues at a meeting that has been repeatedly requested without a response.
The situation highlights the tensions between the municipal government and the Community, and leaves the citizens of Getafe waiting for concrete solutions to the needs of their elderly population.
