A dissenting voice against the coalition
Emiliano García-Page, head of Castilla-La Mancha, has raised his voice against the recent agreement between Esquerra Republicana de Catalunya (ERC) and the PSC. His strong rejection focuses on what he considers a dangerous proposed financing model, which is detrimental to equality in the state system.
Criticisms of the proposed model
During his press conference, Page stressed that the agreement discussed by ERC lacks the official backing of the PSOE, suggesting that it should not be legitimised. His direct comment, ‘I only see drafts and a very generic statement, which honestly could be blown away by the wind the day after tomorrow’, reflects his disdain for the proposal.
Concerns about tax implications
The president has expressed concern about the desire for independence that is driving fiscal management from Catalonia, emphasizing that this aspiration ‘could not prosper’. He has urged that the investiture of Salvador Illa not become an unfair exchange for the rest of the communities.
The impact on equality and state cohesion
Page argues that the understanding between the PSC and ERC hurts the principle of equality between the Spanish territories. ‘They are called Esquerra, but it is the least left-wing approach I have seen,’ she lamented, criticizing the contradiction between the ideals of equality that the PSOE must defend and the secessionist approach of ERC.
An uncertain future projection
The socialist leader was sceptical about the agreement’s ability to receive the necessary support in the Congress of Deputies. ‘Let no one be fooled; it will not prosper,’ he said with conviction. For Page, accepting such an agreement would be equivalent to ‘kicking the constitutional puzzle’.
Defending social principles against criticism
Despite anticipating criticism from his opponents, who might label him a ‘fascist or right-winger’, Page stands firm in his position. ‘Some will say that the same old people are there, but I am happy to be the same old person’, he reiterated, arguing that the ERC proposal could serve as fuel for extremism in Spain.
The institutional fight for equality
The president of Castilla-La Mancha closed his statement by emphasizing that many have dedicated themselves to containing the advance of the extreme right in the country, comparing the approach of ERC with a ‘factory for feeding’ dangerous ideologies. In his words, he urged strengthening unity and equality as fundamental pillars of any political progress.