Defending the uniqueness of the Basque concert
Vice-Lehendakari Ibone Bengoetxea has firmly expressed her position on the Basque economic concert, stating that no parallel can be established with Catalonia’s fiscal demands. According to her, the Basque system enjoys ‘all the legal guarantees’, both Spanish and European.
A concert with constitutional support
Bengoetxea has emphasized that the Basque concert is not only supported by the Spanish Constitution, but has also received the endorsement of the Court of Justice of the European Union. In addition, the Constitutional Court shielded this model in 2016, which reinforces its legality and solidity.
The importance of the concert for economic growth
The vice lehendakari has emphasized that the concert is a fundamental instrument that has allowed the Basque Country to maintain sustained economic growth. He has urged not to be deceived by other models, stating that the Basque concert ‘has all the necessary legal guarantees’.
Perspectives on the bilateral Commission
Bengoetxea has announced that the bilateral Commission between the Basque and Spanish governments will meet soon, with the aim of materializing proposals and advancing the debates. He recalled that there was already a first meeting last July, and that now is the time to integrate ideas and reach consensus.
Commitments of the new government
The new Basque government, according to Bengoetxea, is working with great determination on several fronts, including self-government and a pact for health that will be launched on September 5. The aim is to achieve tangible results by March 2025.
Key objectives for the Basque Country
In addition to health, the government wants to address issues such as housing and reducing the unemployment rate below 5% during this legislature. Bengoetxea has concluded that these four issues are fundamental and that the legislature must be a period of great agreements for the country.