A report that questions government decisions
A recent report prepared by Aranzazu Colom, general director of Consultative Services and Legal Coordination, has uncovered serious doubts about the Hard Rock macrocasino project in Catalonia. Presented on November 3, 2023 to the Minister of Economy and Finance, Natàlia Mas, this document has been the center of attention after several requests for information made by the CUP parliamentary group, which have remained unanswered for months.
Political reactions to the new panorama
The CUP, which has been the main driver of the demand for information, has committed to analyzing the report during an appearance before Parliament. The members of this parliamentary group have called a press conference to present their conclusions on the content of the document, which reveals irregularities in the actions of the Catalan Land Institute (Incasol).
Disapproval from the Catalan Soil Institute
The report includes strong criticism of Incasol, which, under the direction of Damià Calvet, acted as an intermediary in the operation with Hard Rock. In one of the most controversial points, it is pointed out that the granting of the gaming license to the multinational was not transparent, highlighting that a contract signed in 2016 was, in legal terms, irregular.
The cost of government decisions
In addition to the legal implications, the report indicates that the Generalitat will have to return a deposit of 2.5 million euros and a bond of 10 million euros to Hard Rock. These amounts, according to the document, will not be charged to public finances, which raises questions about the financial management of the project.
The perspective of the environmental movement
Anna Recasens, spokesperson for the Aturem Hard Rock platform, has reacted strongly to the report’s findings. Recasens has stressed that the irregularities detected are a reflection of a model of economic development that is detrimental to the territory, which would prioritize the interests of multinationals over local resources. She and her team have expressed their determination to oppose this dynamic.
An uncertain future for the macrocasino
With the new report in hand, the future of the Hard Rock macrocasino project appears more uncertain than ever. Political reactions and citizen mobilization could significantly influence the decisions made by the Government in the coming months, while environmentalists prepare to face the possible consequences of this growth model.
