The 800 cooperatives that work in Madrid, with 15,000 workers in them, will soon have a new regulatory norm: the Cooperatives Law that yesterday received the green light from the Government Council, and that once sent to the Assembly and voted there, will replace to the one currently in force, which is from 1999. It introduces improvements to make the organization of these entities more flexible, and especially controls housing cooperatives. In addition, the Government Council also approved yesterday the bill for the Integrated System of Civil Protection and Emergencies.

The new Law on Cooperatives, explained the Minister of Economy and Finance Javier Fernández-Lasquetty, lowers the number of essential partners to establish them: they may only be two. In addition, the minimum capital for constitution is set at 3,000 euros.

Regulatory burdens are reduced, and in the event of insolvency, partners cannot be held liable.

In the case of housing cooperatives, they are reformed so that they have more solvency and do not enter bankruptcy in the event of a crisis. According to Minister Fernández-Lasquetty, the change in the regulation will ensure that there are more worker cooperatives: "If about 30 a year are created now, possibly from now on it will reach 50 a year," he said.

As regards the Law on the Integrated System of Civil Protection and Emergencies, it was the Minister of the Presidency, Enrique López, who was in charge of arguing about its need: «The current structure –he assures– prevents the use of synergies». For its preparation, the experiences of Covid-19 and the Filomena storm have been taken into account, both emergencies with wide repercussions in the region.

Until now, it is the state regulation that applies in this area. As of the approval of this law in the Assembly –where it will now be submitted–, the integration of the Madrid Administration in the National Civil Protection System will be improved. The Madrid 112 Security and Emergency Agency (ASEM112) will become a public entity governed by law, which will streamline its management and will not mean "an increase in staff or spending," López clarified.

On the other hand, the Council approved the public employment offer: 2,348 positions for administration, of which 1,489 will be new entrants, 217 for internal promotion and 642 for stabilization. In addition, the 9,604 stabilization places for toilets are officially announced, all by merit competition.