Earlier today members of the Formentera Council sat down for the administration's September plenary session and voted unanimously to draft and review a code of ethics for good governance and transparency.

First, the measure aims to insure that “principles of efficiency, impartiality, austerity and responsibility underpin the work of public servants”. It was created, in that vein, to “increase the administration's transparency and guarantee public access to information”. The adopted text was presented by PSOE and PP.

Sònia Cardona, the CiF's secretary of community involvement and transparency, took up the mission with gusto, proclaiming, “I think it's a one of a kind opportunity to spotlight our administration's commitment to transparency and good governance”. This year, the crusade will be one of the most preeminent in Cardona's department.

Holiday season 2018: Sant Jaume and Sant Francesc
The day's session saw a unanimous 'yes' vote for a proposal on scheduling holidays in 2018. The celebrations will include Sant Jaume feast on July 25, a date which is unchanged, and Sant Francesc's once-a-year bash on December 3. Unanimous support was also received by the proposal to ratify appointments to the island's Council of Entities.

Also passed with 'yes' votes from every party except the PP was a socialist measure calling for coherence in respecting human rights, difference and LGBTI individuals. The vote came in response to—and rejection of—a campaign by the Balearic group “Hazte Oir”.

Fresh push for asbestos removal
Lastly, the PP received support in urging asbestos to be removed across Formentera homes and private properties. The goal of the initiative, much like a similar one four years ago, is to support efforts to remove the harmful component and educate the public about the importance of doing so.

Official statement
In the wake of the attacks in Barcelona and Cambrils, the plenary also brought approval for a cross-party condemnation of the “horrific terrorism that took place August 17”.

In a repudiation of terrorism, the text adopted by council members denounces the “savage and bloody attack on our neighbours and so many others with no regard for birthplace, beliefs or religion.

“We wish consolation for the families and friends of the victims and for the injured a quick recovery,” reads the statement, which goes on to applaud “the excellent work of law inforcement—particularly agents of the Mossos d'Esquadra—as well as sanitation services and volunteers”. “This will not succeed in making our freedom- and democracy-loving country stumble,” says the text, “Only with culture, tolerance and democracy will the peoples of the world peacefully coexist”. It closes with a declaration: “We are united in this fight. We are not afraid”.