Public water without (public) financial mediation? Remunicipalizing water in Valladolid, Spain

We discuss the water remunicipalization process in the city of Valladolid (Spain), focusing specifically on its public financing model. Valladolid water remunicipalization has been a politically driven process, but implemented and managed in a technical way, through a public 100% municipality-owned company. As we show, it does not require the additional participation of financial intermediaries, public or private. The Valladolid remunicipalization process has been largely successful, with efficient financial and technical management, including some equity and environmental considerations, although it is not free from financial challenges that could cause it to totter in the future.

Automated summary

This paper discusses the water remunicipalization process in the city of Valladolid, Spain, with a focus on its public financing model. The process has been politically driven but technically managed through a 100% municipality-owned public company. The remunicipalization in Valladolid has been largely successful, with efficient financial and technical management, although it still faces financial challenges.