The debate on the reform of the territorial financing of the State

The context of the debate

In recent weeks, the debate on the reform of the State’s territorial financing has intensified, with a particular focus on the Catalan claim to fiscal sovereignty. The territorial barons of the Popular Party, including Garcia Page from La Mancha, have led the offensive, and there has also been opposition from regional parties, such as the Chunta Aragonesista. The singular financing proposal, which is central to the program of the acting Government and the Republican Left, faces key days, especially in the Congress of Deputies. In the next control session of the Spanish executive, the opposition parliamentary groups have registered questions to both President Pedro Sánchez and the First Vice President and Minister of Finance Maria Jesús Montero in relation to this issue.

The positions in Congress

The questioning of Moncloa arises after Sanchez considered, in a recent interview, the possibility of unique financing for Catalonia, even within a framework of comprehensive reform of the resource distribution system in the State. From the right-wing bench, the popular deputy Elías Bendodo will question the executive about how it plans to guarantee compliance with article 138 of the Constitution, which seeks to avoid economic and social privileges for any territory. Also the general secretary and spokesperson of the Popular Party, Cuca Gamarra, plans to question the Catalan uniqueness and whether the government’s policies guarantee equality between Spaniards.

The debate in the parliamentary week

The issue of territorial financing will focus most of the parliamentary activity of the right during the week. Furthermore, in the weekly questioning of the government, the commitments made in relation to regional financing and the defense of equality between Spaniards will be discussed. Even opposition leader Feijóo will raise questions about the government’s care for the majority of Spaniards.

Positions from other parties

The debate on territorial financing is not limited to the right. From Esquerra Republicana, the Minister of Finance will be questioned about whether she considers that Catalonia has a fair financing model. On the other hand, the Galician Nationalist Bloc will seek to measure Moncloa’s willingness to extend the tax reform offers to other territories. In this sense, the question will be asked if the government is willing to promote self-government in Galicia, including debt forgiveness and a fair financing system.

In summary, the debate on the reform of the territorial financing of the State has gained momentum in recent weeks, with different positions and questions raised in Congress. The issue is of great relevance for Catalan fiscal sovereignty and equality among Spaniards, and it is expected to continue generating discussions and proposals in the near future.