An almost unanimous resolution of the Spanish parliament in mid December urges the its government to promote free software. The resolution got 299 votes in favour. One abstention and one vote against the resolution later appeared to have been mistakes. The resolution of the Socialist Group in the Congress of the Deputies, part of Spain's parliament, was co-signed by several other political groups (PP, IU-ICV, ERC and BNG).
The bill requests the Spanish government to stimulate public administrations to use free and open source software (FLOSS, Free/Libre/Open-Source Software). The resolution is not legally binding but it is the first time the Lower House describes in detail the advantages of the use of Floss. Earlier, in May 2005, the parliament had recommended the use of open source software.
Lourdes Muñoz, socialist deputy for Barcelona, explained that the resolution is meant to give citizens freedom of choice in the use of software. Public institutions should take free and open source software into account, as these increase sustainability and security. This type of software also improves interoperability, according to the text of the resolution.
Jose Ignacio Echániz, representative of Guadalajara for the Partido Popular, stressed that compatibility and interoperability of software and computer platforms are essential. Selecting restricted formats and applications will be detrimental for industry, citizens and the government. Spain is several years behind in the adoption of free software, he said.
Representative of IU-ICV Joan Herrera estimated that the government could realise 300 million euro in potential savings, should it choose this type of software.
Floss is already put to use by the civil administrations of two of Spain's seventeen independent regions, Extremadura and Andalucía. The regions not only use the software in their institutions, they are also stimulating the creation of IT-companies specialising in this field.
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El Grupo Socialista apuesta por la promoción del software libre (in Spanish only)