The visit of Pope Leo XIV to Madrid, scheduled from June 6th to 9th, is not only generating public anticipation due to traffic restrictions in areas like Plaza Lima or Cibeles, but has also ignited political debate at the Madrid City Council. Security, mobility, and the official welcome declaration for the pontiff will be central to the municipal plenary session.
Differences between municipal groups regarding the text of the official welcome declaration have caused friction. While the PSOE, with initial support from Más Madrid and Vox, advocates for a proposal agreed with the Archdiocese emphasizing Madrid's image as an "open, diverse, and human rights-committed" city, the Popular Party proposes a focus more centered on the city's religious character and "Christian roots," criticizing the socialist text for reducing the Pope's figure to that of a head of state.
Vox maintains an intermediate position, supporting both approaches, which leaves the official declaration uncertain just hours before the plenary session. The opposition, led by PSOE and Más Madrid, has also expressed strong criticism of the security and mobility plan prepared by the City Council, which anticipates a deployment of over 14,000 officers, exceeding the 2022 NATO summit. Concerns have been raised about the lack of information and coordination regarding traffic closures and public transport.
The PP, on the other hand, defends exceptional measures for an "extraordinary" event and is promoting an urgent motion to declare the visit a matter of special relevance, including tax exemptions and the free cession of municipal spaces.
The plenary session will also address the reduction of public access seats for municipal sessions, a measure criticized by PSOE and Más Madrid, who accuse the plenary president, Borja Fanjul, of limiting citizen participation. Vox supports the restrictions, while the PP calls for "prudence" and "exemplary" behavior.
Another key point will be the admission criteria for municipal nursery schools, which according to Más Madrid has left thousands of families without a place and reduces the weight of factors like vulnerability or family conciliation. The opposition demands reform of the tender documents and improvement of working conditions for staff.
Finally, the controversial visit of the regional president, Isabel Díaz Ayuso, to Mexico will also be part of the debate. Vox will question the mayor about the defense of Spain's history in America, in relation to the controversy generated by Ayuso's trip. Additionally, the PP will inquire about the fulfillment of commitments by the Government delegate, Francisco Martín, regarding security, following recent violent incidents in San Blas-Canillejas.
