A change of era in the Generalitat
With the arrival of Salvador Illa as the new president of the Generalitat, the flow of administrative activity has increased significantly. Every time a new government takes office, it is common for a deep restructuring of senior and casual staff to begin. This dynamic, which is not exclusive to socialist governments, is repeated cyclically in changes of government.
Data and Statistics of High Charges
According to the latest data collected until July, when Aragonès was still in office, Catalonia had a total of 363 senior officials and temporary staff. This figure is broken down into 184 senior positions, 159 temporary and 20 additional directors, including delegates abroad. The impact of the new administration is expected to be significant, as most of these positions will be affected by the new government setup.
Rotation and Changes
OECD statistics indicate that in Spain, the turnover of senior positions exceeds 95%, a trend that will continue with the new appointments planned. In addition, the creation of new ministries will imply the need to appoint new general secretaries and other relevant positions, thus increasing the dynamics of change.
Economic Aspects of the New Administration
The cost of maintaining this administrative structure is considerable, with total remuneration amounting to close to 31.6 million euros per year. Senior officials receive an average salary of 97,465 euros, while casual staff enjoy an average of 74,236 euros. The president, after a reduction, receives 137,507 euros, followed by the directors with nearly 122,000 euros.
Distribution of Salary
Among the positions with high remuneration, we also find commissioners and cabinet directors with salaries similar to those of councillors. A large number of senior and temporary positions are in the range of 90,000 to 100,000 euros, while chiefs of staff and advisers receive lower salaries, albeit with additional supplements.
Controversy in Recent Appointments
Recently, numerous dismissals have been carried out within the casual staff, while new appointments have been made, sometimes with controversy due to the family connections of some of the new appointees. The rest of the senior positions will have to wait for the reactivation of the Executive Council for their confirmation.
Reflections on the Professionalization of the Administration
The constant rotations in senior public management often give rise to the debate on the need to professionalize institutions and distance them from direct political influence. The proposal of the Commission of Experts for the Reform of Public Administration, led by Guillem López Casasnovas, could be a viable solution. However, this issue transcends ideologies and parties, reflecting a need for change that is evident in all political sectors.
