The Ripoll Town Hall has recently hired one of the daughters of the current mayor, Sílvia Orriols, as an interim local police officer. The decision has sparked debate, prompting the mayor to publicly explain the selection process.
Sílvia Orriols stated during the municipal plenary session that she had no involvement in the selection process to avoid any suspicion of nepotism. She declared that she has "absolutely abstained from participating in anything affecting the process" and that, while she cannot benefit her daughter due to her position, she also cannot prevent her from "fulfilling her dream" professionally.
The position was advertised as "urgent" to address the "structural understaffing of agents" and ensure the "correct provision of service." According to Orriols, her daughter was the candidate who achieved the highest score among the 24 people initially registered, of whom 15 took the written test.
The mayor detailed that the written test was prepared minutes before the exam by the area chief and the acting head of the police force to prevent leaks, and that candidates identified themselves with DNI digits to preserve anonymity during grading. Only 5 people passed this test, with Orriols' daughter achieving the best score.
Subsequently, the 5 candidates underwent a personal interview conducted by the area chief and three police commanders. After averaging the written test and interview scores, only three candidates passed the process, with the mayor's daughter securing the first position more than two points ahead of the second-place finisher.
Orriols concluded by affirming that the process has "complied with current regulations and protocols" and recalled that since 2007, political officeholders cannot participate in personnel selection processes.
