The innovative mayor: the 20-year-old head of the village talked about his “genius” plan to increase the population
Enrique Collada, who is the mayor of a village in Guadalajara, receives no income for his work.
20-year-old Enrique Collado, the mayor of the small village of El Recuenco in Spain, has an ambitious plan to boost the population’s ever-shrinking population. About his initiatives told in a video on TikTok.
The position of mayor in Spain is important, but often underestimated. Many heads of villages, like volunteers, do not receive a salary for their work. According to the Treasury, around 40% of Spain’s 6,900 mayors do not receive any government salary.
Enrique, despite his youth, has the main goal of increasing the population of his village. According to the National Institute of Statistics, in 2023 only 71 people live in El Recuenco, located in the province of Guadalajara. Since 1930, the population of the village has decreased significantly: then there were almost 750 people, in 1970 – about 430, in 1990 – about 190, and now – less than 100.
Therefore, Enrique has to be resourceful. He tries to strengthen ties with residents by organizing various events.
“What do I do as the 20-year-old mayor of El Recuenco, a village that currently has less than 100 people? I throw parties. Lots of events.”, says Enrique, talking about the initiatives he organizes for the residents.
Although the position of mayor has certain disadvantages, such as long hours without pay, Enrique sees great advantages in his position.
“I listen and help my neighbors in plenary meetings and outside them. I invite politicians to discuss our problems and introduce them to the village.” he explains, often talking about his work on social networks.
“I organize parties with the best festival committee in the province and, dare I say, in Spain. I dance from my heart because it takes effort. And of course I enjoy the country life, which is a real luxury“, he added.
Enrique also emphasized that he works for free and does everything for the good of the village. His enthusiasm and dedication to the cause is attracting attention, and he hopes it will help preserve and restore the population of El Recuenco.
