ERC Insists on Timely Resolution for Catalonia's Funding System
The political party demands a fixed deadline for financial negotiations ahead of legislative end.
The political landscape in Spain has intensified as Esquerra Republicana de Catalunya (ERC) calls for urgent action regarding the singular financing agreement for Catalonia.
The party has placed the negotiations for the national budget on hold, seeking stronger gestures from the government amidst ongoing discussions.
This urgency became evident during a recent appearance by the First Vice President and Minister of Finance, María Jesús Montero, before the Senate.
Senator Joan Queralt of ERC emphasized the sanctity of political agreements, urging the government to fully commit to the reform of the financing system.
During the Senate session, Montero reiterated that this matter cannot be resolved overnight, highlighting the complexities involved in forging a new financial framework.
Montero indicated that discussions are anticipated in the near future to fulfill the existing agreements, but reiterated the challenges involved.
The proposed new system, which has been outlined in partnership with ERC, would allow the Generalitat to manage, collect, and liquidate all taxes.
However, she clarified that this proposal does not amount to an economic concert as it involves contributions to a common fund, termed the solidarity quota.
Instead, it could represent a step toward modifying the current model to enhance the self-sufficiency of autonomous communities.
Montero's approach includes collaborating with other political parties to facilitate these structural changes.
It is noteworthy that the reform of the LOFCA (the law governing the financing of autonomous communities) requires an absolute majority in the Congress, necessitating at least 176 votes.
In response to the government's timeline, Queralt requested the establishment of a clear deadline, indicating that it should be set well before the organic end of the legislative session in 2027. He acknowledged the complexities of implementing such changes but argued that the challenges should not serve as an excuse for inaction.
Queralt urged for a stronger commitment from the government.
In recognition of ERC's pressure, Montero confirmed that the coalition partner Junts would support the organic law project for debt cancellation, an agreement also reached with ERC, further solidifying the backing for Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez's investiture.
Despite opposition from the Popular Party, this support ensures the project's approval.
The party has placed the negotiations for the national budget on hold, seeking stronger gestures from the government amidst ongoing discussions.
This urgency became evident during a recent appearance by the First Vice President and Minister of Finance, María Jesús Montero, before the Senate.
Senator Joan Queralt of ERC emphasized the sanctity of political agreements, urging the government to fully commit to the reform of the financing system.
During the Senate session, Montero reiterated that this matter cannot be resolved overnight, highlighting the complexities involved in forging a new financial framework.
Montero indicated that discussions are anticipated in the near future to fulfill the existing agreements, but reiterated the challenges involved.
The proposed new system, which has been outlined in partnership with ERC, would allow the Generalitat to manage, collect, and liquidate all taxes.
However, she clarified that this proposal does not amount to an economic concert as it involves contributions to a common fund, termed the solidarity quota.
Instead, it could represent a step toward modifying the current model to enhance the self-sufficiency of autonomous communities.
Montero's approach includes collaborating with other political parties to facilitate these structural changes.
It is noteworthy that the reform of the LOFCA (the law governing the financing of autonomous communities) requires an absolute majority in the Congress, necessitating at least 176 votes.
In response to the government's timeline, Queralt requested the establishment of a clear deadline, indicating that it should be set well before the organic end of the legislative session in 2027. He acknowledged the complexities of implementing such changes but argued that the challenges should not serve as an excuse for inaction.
Queralt urged for a stronger commitment from the government.
In recognition of ERC's pressure, Montero confirmed that the coalition partner Junts would support the organic law project for debt cancellation, an agreement also reached with ERC, further solidifying the backing for Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez's investiture.
Despite opposition from the Popular Party, this support ensures the project's approval.
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