A Government in Crisis: The Lack of Leadership
Currently, the political landscape in Catalonia is presented as a labyrinth with no exit. Despite the efforts of the socialist party and its most prominent figures, such as Sánchez and Illa, the reality is that Catalan society is disconnected from its political responsibilities. The situation is evident in Parliament, where the figure of the opposition is conspicuous by its absence. With only 41 deputies out of a total of 135, the government is in a precarious position.
Economic stagnation: an alarming setback
The stagnation of the Catalan GDP is worrying. The percentage of Catalan GDP with respect to the Spanish total remains at 18.8%, the same as almost three decades ago. However, the situation becomes more disturbing when we look at GDP per capita, which has fallen from 121.4% to 114.5% in just ten years. This regression shows a worrying dependence on immigration with little human capital, which affects the productivity and quality of life of citizens.
Necessary reforms in basic services
Catalonia faces an urgent need to reform its basic services, such as education, healthcare and care for the elderly. The debureaucratization of these services, combined with the incorporation of more administrative staff, could represent a major step forward. Immediate challenges include approving the 2025 budget, managing the transfer of the Rodalies and finalizing a financing pact with the Republican Left.
Security and crime: a worrying picture
Citizen security is one of the most critical issues, with an increase in crime and the presence of drug trafficking gangs. In addition, Catalonia has become a hotbed for jihadism, with a worrying number of arrests related to this phenomenon. The current situation requires a strong and effective response from the government.
Housing: an urgent need
The commitment to create 50,000 homes by 2030 is insufficient given the real needs, which amount to around 200,000. Access to housing is complicated by rising prices, leaving young people and middle-income families in a precarious situation. The lack of a clear short-term strategy to address this crisis is alarming.
Education and universities: insufficient funding
Catalan universities have suffered a significant decrease in their funding, with 400 million euros lost since 2013. This situation affects the quality of education and the ability to retain talent. Declining enrollment is also a symptom of a demographic crisis affecting higher education.
Water management: pending challenges
Water management is another area that needs urgent attention. Catalonia must rationalize the use of water for irrigation and improve the interconnection between basins to guarantee an adequate supply. The interconnection between water resources has been a recognized need for decades.
The energy issue and the commitment to renewables
The government has pledged to increase renewable energy production, but the imminent closure of nuclear power plants has not been clearly addressed. The energy transition requires careful planning to avoid potential energy crises.
Catalan: a challenge for identity
The decline of Catalan as a commonly used language is an issue that needs an immediate solution. Illa must present a concrete plan to reverse this trend, beyond generic promises.
Need for dialogue and commitment
The creation of a national convention to address the Catalan political conflict remains unscheduled, generating a climate of discontent. Illa must demonstrate that he can lead Catalonia with a clear vision and move away from being a mere prop for the Spanish government. The time for inaction is over; Catalonia deserves a government that acts decisively in the face of its challenges.
