Montero Defending the Catalan Singularity
In a recent appearance, María Jesús Montero, Minister of Finance and Vice-President of the Government, has expressed her support for a financing model adapted to the needs of Catalonia. According to the minister, the agreement between the PSC and Esquerra Republicana (ERC) does not represent an economic concert or a conventional reform of the regional financing system.
The Self-Government Vision for Catalonia
Montero has stressed that the aim of the agreement is to enhance Catalonia’s self-government, an aspect he considers essential for its development. As part of a visit to Rota City Hall, he highlighted the importance of solidarity as the basis of this pact.
Reactions and Criticism of the Agreement
The minister has received numerous criticisms of the agreement, and has stated that many of these interpretations do not reflect reality. Montero has defended that solidarity is an inherent characteristic of regional funding models, aimed at guaranteeing equitable public services throughout Spain.
The Role of the PP and Single Funding
Criticizing the PP’s strategy of confronting Catalonia, Montero recalled that there are precedents for singular funding to other communities, such as the Canary Islands and the Balearic Islands, which do not represent a grievance for the rest of the country. Likewise, he has defended that Catalonia already enjoys special funding for exclusive powers.
The tension between ERC and the Government
On the other hand, ERC has warned that its collaboration with the General State Budgets is in danger if the Government does not comply with the agreed commitments. In a statement, the Republicans have insisted that the agreement involves an economic concert, despite Montero’s claims.
The Need to Fulfill Covenants
Raquel Sans, spokeswoman for ERC, has expressed that, regardless of the terminology, the singular funding agreed upon must be respected. If the pact is not fulfilled, ERC will be forced to withdraw its support for the budgets, a situation that could lead to a political crisis scenario.
An Uncertain Future for Budgets
The current situation presents a complex picture. With the growing tensions between the Government and ERC, the viability of general budgets is at a critical juncture. The outcome of this conflict could have significant consequences for Spanish politics and the relationship with Catalonia.
