María Jesús Montero calls on communities to address financing reform
The Ministry of Finance begins the calendar for the reform of the financing system and the correction of the shortcomings of the current model. The Minister of Finance, María Jesús Montero, plans to meet with the regional presidents in the month of February, with the aim of reaching a consensus to improve the financing of the autonomous communities and local entities. She urges regional leaders to put aside the extreme positions of each territory, following pressure from less favored territories.
Compensation claim for underfinancing
During the tourism fair in Madrid, the presidents of the Valencian Community, Andalusia, Murcia and Castilla La Mancha expressed their discontent and demanded compensation for the lack of State funds. They highlighted the importance of the equalization fund and reiterated the need to adjust the debt as the PSOE agreed with ERC for the investiture of Pedro Sánchez.
Support for the reform of the financing system
María Jesús Montero will convene the regional leaders to finalize the removal of part of the debt, in accordance with the agreement with ERC. In addition, she requests support from the PP for the reform of the system, urging Alberto Núñez Feijóo to propose strategies to improve the regional financing system.
Fair reallocation of resources for the autonomous communities
The Minister of Finance assures that a fair reallocation of resources will not affect the country’s overall debt, providing peace of mind in the investment and finance sectors. Likewise, she highlights the Government’s commitment to granting greater financial autonomy to communities, allowing them to return to the markets with greater scope for action to finance their competencies.
Challenges and criticisms of the compensation proposal
Despite the commitment expressed in Congress, the minister’s previous statements generated controversy. The request for a mechanism that compensates the territories until the system is reformed was rejected in the last meeting with the Treasury advisors. This proposal, contained in the agreement with Compromís-Sumar for the investiture of Pedro Sánchez, does not specify the mechanism, which leaves open the possibility of continuing with the Autonomous Liquidity Fund (FLA) or other transfers to the communities.
Criticism and demands for dialogue in the Fiscal and Financial Policy Council
The leader of the PP, Alberto Núñez Feijóo, criticizes the refusal of Pedro Sánchez’s Government to call a meeting of the Fiscal and Financial Policy Council, considering it the appropriate place to discuss financing. Likewise, he stressed the commitment of the PP and its regional presidents to be useful to the Spanish people, while pointing out the Government’s lack of willingness to dialogue with regional leaders.
Continuous pressure from regional presidents
The regional presidents continue to press, insisting on the need for financing reform to guarantee public services at the same level as the rest of the State. Demands for debt forgiveness and compensation continue, generating tensions both within Congress and in the autonomous communities.
In summary, the reform of financing and compensation to the autonomous communities is emerging as a central issue on the political agenda, generating debates and considerations at both the national and regional levels. The decisions taken in the coming months will have a significant impact on the financial autonomy of the regions and the provision of fundamental public services for citizens.
